OUTDOORS NOTES

Residents interested in learning about or commenting on DNR strategies for managing Brainerd area lakes have until early March to ask questions or submit comments.

"Management plans describe the past, present and desired future conditions of the waters," said Tim Brastrup, Brainerd area fisheries supervisor. "The plans identify specific management activities planned for that lake in the next five to 20 years."

Each year, DNR fisheries staff prepare or revise individual lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area. Lakes - and plans - to be reviewed in the Brainerd area include Bay Lake, Borden Lake, East and West Fox lakes, Upper Hay Lake, Serpent Lake, Sagamore Mine Pit Lake, Nokay Lake, Mitchell Lake, East and West Twin lakes and Lake Edward.

Those interested may review current plans for lakes in the area as well as recent fish population assessment information at the DNR's Brainerd area fisheries office, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or call 828-2550 or e-mail Brastrup at tim.brastrup@state.mn.us.

Public comments on the management of the lakes will be taken through March 3. Suggestions for management of any of the other lakes and streams in the Brainerd area are welcome at any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review.

Fish free with kids Feb. 13-15

Minnesotans age 16 or older may ice fish without purchasing an angling license if they take a child younger than 16 fishing during Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend Feb. 13-15.

For more information, go to mndnr.gov/minnaqua /icefishing.

In-Fisherman Television named 'Best Fish Show'

In-Fisherman Television, headquartered in Baxter, was the recipient of the "Best Fish Show" award at the 2009 Sportsman Choice Awards, held during the Sportsman Channel's annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show.

Sportsman Channel presented awards to the directors, producers and editors who produced the best and most popular outdoor programming of 2009. More than 500 outdoor industry leaders, television personalities and outdoor enthusiasts attended the event.

Quinn angler of the year

Steve Quinn of Brainerd was named angler of the year for the Range Bassmasters of the Brainerd lakes area.

Quinn won two of the club's six tournaments in 2009, on Pelican and Rabbit lakes. Bill Bongs was second in angler of the year, followed in order by Jenny Smith, Kevin Tengwall, Emmet Smith and Nate Posterick.

Jim Smith caught the lunker of the year - 5 pounds 4 ounces from Lake Minnewawa near McGregor.