New rock rapids project modifies existing aging dam near Pelican

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

New rock arch rapids that allow for fish passage in Pelican Rapids and at Little Pine Lake near Perham were praised by Minnesota DNR Fisheries Specialist Nick Kludt who spoke Thursday evening, Aug. 15, to members of the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) in the town of Ottertail.

He said that migratory fish are important to the richness of freshwater environments. Their movements have value for fish species with which they interact along their route.

Kludt, Red River Fisheries Specialist for the Minnesota DNR, works in an area that includes the Red River of the North and its Minnesota tributaries, where he works on a wide array of river and fish management issues.

The Pelican Rapids project, which modified the existing dam, has a rock rapids along the Pelican River that provides a permanent fix to an aging fish barrier structure. At the same time, construction has allowed for more recreational opportunities.

The new rock rapids at Little Pine Lake, northeast of Perham, provides for a new fish passage along the Otter Tail River that replaced a 1930s outlet dam. The new project was completed in cooperation with the Minnesota DNR, Otter Tail County and other partners.

Kludt says rock rapids are carefully designed to maximize the fish passage benefit and overall habitat benefit. Taken into account are river flows and proper entrance and exit passages.

He said that connectivity and dam modification is important to the ecosystem-based fisheries management in this area of west central Minnesota. He added that the interconnection of lake and river habitats is critical for long-term success.

“Fish move a tremendous amount, more so than what most people would ever guess,” said Kludt to COLA members on Aug. 15. “It’s also important to point out that fish movements have different variations.”

Kludt also spoke about the Walker Lake fish hatchery near Otter Tail Lake that provides walleye fingerlings for lakes managed for walleye in Otter Tail County. Minnesota has more walleye, walleye lakes and walleye anglers than any other state. 

“Fish reproduction, migration, habitat management and positive actions are needed to maintain our lakes and rivers for fish populations,” he said. “Recent flooding has necessitated some DNR changes. The bottom line is that we need to allow for more fish migration.”

Kludt addressed the issue of bluegill management in western Minnesota. He said the DNR works to protect bluegill quality, members of the sunfish family. State employees zero in on select lakes that have biological potential to produce large bluegills.

The DNR representative said he was appreciative of the opportunity to address COLA members. The organization facilitates cooperation among member lake and river associations in Otter Tail County to assist in fostering wise use of lakes and rivers.