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.
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...
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...
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...
Little Sister Sedge By Dr. Jennifer Biederman April marks the onset of more vibrant seasonal activity in trout streams, with increasing diversity of emerging insect life. This surge in insect activity not only breathes life into the aquatic ecosystem but also signals prime time for both trout and anglers. The increase in...
By Dr. Jennifer Biederman In northeastern Minnesota, where clear streams carve through thick forests and rocky ridges, the brook trout—a symbol of pristine waters—faces an uncertain future. Climate change, manifesting through rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, is reshaping the habitat these fish have thrived in for millennia. Flows of these...
Dr. Jennifer Biederman Baetis, a genus of mayflies commonly known as the blue-winged olive among anglers, holds an iconic status in the world of trout enthusiasts. Emerging first from Minnesota streams in early March, this mayfly plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of coldwater stream ecosystems, capturing the fascination...
Dr. Jennifer Biederman, MNTU Habitat Director A pre-construction bid meeting on Mill Creek in December ‘23, with MNTU’s contracted design engineers, MNDNR, MNTU habitat staff, and potential construction firms. While late winter and early spring might not seem like the peak time for trout stream restoration in Minnesota, MNTU's habitat program is...
