By Dr. Jennifer Biederman, Habitat Director Unobstructed pathways are crucial for stream-dwelling trout at key times throughout the year and life cycle. Trout must be able to move freely in a stream system to reach spawning and overwintering areas, find coldwater refuge in low, warm summer flows, and access feeding grounds....
By Dr. Jennifer Biederman When it comes to the diets of stream-dwelling trout in Minnesota, aquatic benthic invertebrates take most of the spotlight. Keep in mind that trout are visual and opportunistic feeders – so prey preference and capture probability are likely influenced by the accessibility, size, color, mobility, and degree...
This photo from Hay Creek in the State Forest illustrates how the June flood waters spread out. You can see the flattened grass. The energy release of floodplain prevented any damage to the instream habitat.
July 2024 The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking for public comment to proposed changes to feedlot general permits issued to large feedlots of 1,000 or more animal units for operation and construction. Minnesota Trout Unlimited supports the much-needed additional oversight and regulations included of applications of manure to the land....
A box elder sitting on top of legacy sediment, ready to fall in and take a big chunk of the bank along with it! Mill Creek, Chatfield (Winona County). By Dr. Jennifer Biederman The Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota, characterized by its unique topography of steep hills and deep valleys untouched by...
Scot Simmons, Twin Cities TU member and volunteer with Foster the Outdoors, recently had the opportunity to see the film Blackwaters Brotherhood in the Wild and volunteer with cast members from the film to share the joy of fly fishing with students and families in...
by Dr. Jennifer Biederman The typical trout angler studies up on aquatic macroinvertebrates to better understand what trout are eating across different seasons of the year – to perfect the fly! But the next time you pick up a rock from a stream to inspect its surface, you can also keep...
Streams in the Driftless region in of Minnesota are most vulnerable to the impacts of agricultural runoff, including poor manure management techniques, and will benefit greatly from some of the provisions passed in the legislature this session.
by Dr. Jennifer Biederman Stream restoration projects are essential for the rehabilitation of freshwater ecosystems, particularly for species such as trout, which are sensitive to environmental changes. Designing an effective trout stream restoration project involves a blend of ecological science, hydrological understanding, and community engagement. MNTU stream projects not only...
By Dr. Jennifer Biederman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbxddda_z0g Stoneflies, belonging to the order Plecoptera, play an important role in freshwater ecosystems and are especially significant to anglers. These aquatic macroinvertebrates are a prime food source for many fish species, especially trout, making them a key focus for fly fishing enthusiasts. Stoneflies are characterized by their...
