The commercial fishermen were at it again today, throwing out their nets in Crystal/Mud Bay in hopes of capturing a large amount of carp. They successfully netted an estimated 3,000 pounds of carp which brings the week’s total to about 8,000 pounds of carp!
IS THERE STILL MORE CARP TO CATCH? Yes, but the commercial fisherman are calling the seining effort this week solid work and are hanging up their hats (for now). There is a LOT more carp in Upper Prior Lake that we need removed to meet our water quality goals, and the Watershed District will be working with the commercial fisherman again later this year to complete additional seines with help from our carp consultants at WSB.
WHERE DO THE CARP GO? The semi truck has been rescheduled and will now be out at the boat launch on Sunday to transport the carp to markets down south where they are used to stock commercial game ponds. If anyone would like to see how the carp are loaded up onto the semi, they are welcome to join us at the boat lunch bright & early on Sunday morning!
DO I STILL NEED TO STEER CLEAR OF MUD BAY? There are two areas in Crystal/Mud Mary where the captured carp are being held, one group is netted up into a “crib” and the other is in an underwater net bag with a two signs near it waning residents to “KEEP OUT”. Please use caution on the south and west shorelines of Crystal/Mud Bay(see map below).
CAN I PUT IN MY DOCK? If your property is in Crystal/Mud Bay and is not near the netted carp areas on the west and south side of the bay, please feel free to put in your dock. However, please remember to use caution when driving boats along the shoreline.
HOW CAN I GET UPDATES ON THE PROJECT? Keep checking the website or email mkarschnia@plslwd.org to be added to our email update list – we’ll send out updates as we learn more! In addition, you can feel free to give us a call at 952-447-9808 if you have any immediate questions or concerns.
