In response to the March 18 story, "DNR ending Kamloops stocking in Lake Superior," I ask: Why does the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources favor the almighty steelhead and demonize the lowly "Looper?"
Both fish are not native to Lake Superior. Both fish are rainbow trout. 'Loopers actually grow larger than steelhead in Lake Superior. 'Loopers grow more quickly than steelhead in Lake Superior. 'Loopers are cheaper to stock than steelhead in Lake Superior. 'Loopers can be caught almost year-round in Lake Superior while steelhead runs are short and somewhat weather-dependent. And 'loopers can be fished from the shore year-round In Lake Superior while steelhead spend most of their life cycles far from the shores of Lake Superior.
Further, when 'loopers and steelhead interbreed in Lake Superior, the offspring seldom survive in Lake Superior. In other locations, white crappies and black crappies interbreed, muskies and northern pike interbreed, varieties of panfish interbreed, mule deer and whitetail deer interbreed, and even grizzly bears and polar bears may have interbred.
So what?
'Looper habitat is readily available in Lake Superior. Steelhead habitat continues to need improvement in Lake Superior's tributaries.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 'looper program has been tremendously successful in Lake Superior. 'Looper fishermen, like steelhead fishermen, travel from many miles around, spend millions of dollars, and enjoy the chance at catching a trophy rainbow trout in the "big lake."
So why do the bureaucrats demonize the lowly 'looper? I am truly embarrassed to admit I have mindlessly supported the DNR's efforts in the past. No more.
Robert Anderson
Sartell, Minn.
