If I was to make a guess there will be a lot empty minnow tanks after the first couple weeks of the fishing opener. Most of the sucker ponds couldn't be plowed this winter because of early snows and slush. Late spring will push the spot tail shiner run back too.

Where was this? I haven't seen Gary for a few years.

He's probably right as far as shallow lakes go. There are some marginal lakes that won't make it this year.

Bad winterkill at refuge lakes in the Sandhills this winter too. Only fish in the refuge lakes are the ones with carp. Something about carp eating vegetation that would otherwise use up oxygen in the decaying process.

Gary was at our sportsman's meeting in Rice, MN. He's been to our meetings in the past, usually comes once each year for the past 4 years.
Every time he comes I learn something new about fishing. What a guy, still cutting and burning wood at age 86!

Gary is as spry as a 30 year old, still going strong. He hangs around to answer questions. Very personable, down to earth man. He fills the house when he comes to town. I can't say enough good things about him.

We have right around 425 fishable waters. They have been doing disolved oxygen testing and last I heard about 120 lakes are critical. Just another one of the many joys of living in this frozen (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) hole.