Public invited to comment on bass regulations on 4 Otter Tail County lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold two public meetings to provide information about the existing bass regulations and ask for public comments on whether the regulations should be continued, modified or rescinded on Jewett, Pickerel, Clitherall and Sewell lakes in Otter Tail County.

The first meeting will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Fergus Falls DNR Headquarters, 1509 First Ave. N. in Fergus Falls.

The second meeting will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Lakes Area Community Center, 112 West Main St. in Battle Lake.

Jewett Lake is 8 miles north of Fergus Falls. Pickerel Lake is 12 miles north of Underwood. Clitherall Lake is 5 miles south of Battle Lake. Sewell Lake is 7 miles southeast of Dalton.

Currently, there is a 12- to 20-inch protected slot length limit for bass on Jewett, Pickerel and Sewell lakes. Clitherall Lake currently has a catch-and-release regulation for smallmouth bass.

Prior to the meeting, notices will be published in local newspapers.

Those unable to attend the meetings may submit written comments any time to: DNR Fergus Falls area fisheries, 1509 First Ave. N., Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or via email to james.wolters@state.mn.us or fergusfalls.fisheries@state.mn.us. To provide comments by phone, call 218-739-7576. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Public comments will also be accepted during an open house 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.