State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.
Legacy mine pits, as they’re known, dot the northeastern part of the state. These former iron mine pits eventually filled with water. Since 1984, the IRRR has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to stock some of the open pits. In turn, the DNR advises the state agency on which pits to stock and how many fish to include.
IRRR stocked about 5,600 rainbow trout, each weighing around three-quarters of a pound. The stocked lakes included Kinney Pit, Mott Pit, Mountain Iron, St. James Pit, and Tioga Pit. Restocking occurred throughout the spring and fall.
IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina participated in the fish stocking at the Mott Pit last month, transporting several netfuls of rainbow trout into the pit. “This is a program our agency has funded for many years, so I wanted to see firsthand how the fish stocking takes place and get a closer look at the process,” she said. “It’s exciting to see a program that dates back 40 years continue to have a positive impact in our region.”
Benefits tourism and local communities
State agencies view the reclamation of mines as a benefit to travel and the local economies. The pits and surrounding area provide recreation and fishing opportunities.
David Weitzel, assistant regional fisheries manager for the DNR’s Northeast Region, explained that the stocking program improves recreational opportunities. This is especially true for communities without many natural lakes. “The DNR contributes by conducting routine fish surveys and fisheries monitoring while working closely with the IRRR to develop fisheries management plans that meet anglers’ needs and utilize the unique mine pit lake environments,” Weitzel said. “These waters often provide excellent habitat for rainbow trout and enhance the angling experience in northeastern Minnesota, offering a truly unique fishing experience.
While trout anglers often visit the legacy pits, there are many other activities for people to enjoy. Many come to the area to mountain bike, hike, and engage in other water sports such as canoeing or kayaking. Not all mine pit lakes are open to the public or accessible. Visitors can check the DNR’s LakeFinder for information before heading to a lake.
Minnesota has governance for iron ore mines that close. According to the DNR website, the Mineland Reclamation Rules for ferrous mining require operations to plan for rehabilitation. Some of these require water level management. For operations that ceased before the adoption of those rules, reclamation was not required. As a result, these mines are considered legacy mine pits, and no one is responsible for water level management.
Ongoing funding has stemmed from multiple agencies, including the IRRR.
More info:
- Fish stocking enhances regional recreation, benefits local communities – Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
- Trout fishing streams & lakes – Minnesota DNR
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.