U.S. and Canadian biologists have been working for decades to help lake sturgeon recover from the effects of overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. The change takes time, though. These fish live about 100 years and females aren't sexually mature until they're 26.

A new treatment that was intended to kill zebra mussels in two Minnesota lakes was not successful. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources used copper sulfate, a chemical used to treat swimmer's itch, to get rid of the invasive species in Lake Irene in Douglas County and Rose Lake in Otter Tail County.

Rep. Chip Cravaack announced Saturday that he will seek to end federal authority over some outdoors activities on Mille Lacs Lake. Specifically, he's referring to Coast Guard regulations requiring a so-called “six-pack” license for fishing guides or anyone operating a boat for hire with up to six passengers.

The DNR says the walleye population has reached its second-lowest level since the agency started taking the measurements in 1983. Over the long-term, male walleye have been declining on Lake Mille Lacs. Northern pike numbers are also falling.

Nothing's official yet, but, the DNR worries that if this winter's catch on the large central Minnesota lake is too good, it could exceed the state's allowable harvest. MPR reports that local business owners worry that people won't want to fish a tightly-regulated lake.

State officials will take the rare step of using a pesticide to try and curtail a zebra mussel infestation in a western Minnesota lake. The Pioneer Press says the chemical might be effective if the mussels haven't spread from a contained area. Local officials, though, say the DNR is not responding effectively to stop the destructive mollusks.

Minnesota's fishing and hunting license fees haven't changed in 10 years. The Department of Natural Resources is pushing legislators to raise the fees during the next legislative session. If an increase is not passed, the Associated Press reports there will be deep cuts to popular programs.