All species of fish in Minnesota lakes and rivers are susceptible. Fish that inhabit shallow
areas of the lake are most affected. Eggs are released by fish-eating birds into the water.
Eggs develop into intermediate stages of the parasite in snails. These free-swimming
parasites penetrate the muscles of fish and encyst. Black pigmentation is deposited onto
these cysts.
Infected fish are consumed by birds where the life cycle starts all over again.
Adult worms are seen in fish eating birds. It is very common throughout Minnesota, and
is safe to eat. Although unsightly, the fillet is safe to eat if it is well cooked. Always cook
fish well before consuming. There are no practical means to control this parasite. But
unused or uneaten portions of fish should be buried or disposed of with household waste.
Fish entrails should never be discarded back into the lake.
Personal Watercraft Etiquette
• Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast
Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket).
• Personal watercraft must travel at slow – no wake speed (5 mph or less) within
150 feet of non-motorized boats, shore (unless launching or landing skiers directly
to or from open water), docks, swim rafts, swimmers, or any moored or anchored
boat.
• Operation of personal watercraft is allowed only from 9:30 a.m. to 1 hour before
sunset.
Courtesy of:
Douglas County Land and Resource
Dave Rush (Director)
Department of Natural Resources
Dean Beck (Lake Man. And Fisheries)
Jerry Wendlandt (Milfoil and all Veg.)
Mike Sheldan (Regulation Enforcement)
Douglas County Sheriff & Water Patrol
Douglas County Soil and Water
Douglas County Commissioner – Norm Salto and LaGrande Township