🌊 Help Us Protect the Chain! 🌊

It’s time to renew your membership for the upcoming season! As a member-driven, volunteer organization, your support is what allows us to continue our mission of preserving and protecting our beautiful waters.
🚤 Renewing is Easy! You’re just one click away.

And while you’re here on the website, you can check out the latest:
📊 Water quality reports
📅 Upcoming community events
🌼 Lake Stewards on the Chain
📰 The latest association news
Once you've renewed, you'll receive your 2026 membership decal to display on your boat or vehicle. Together, we are making a difference. Let’s keep our lakes healthy and vibrant for years to come. See you out on the water! ☀️

Legislative Update - Jet Skis & Hours of Operation

Minnesota Lakes & Rivers (MLR) was asked by jet ski advocates if they would support legislation to pull in the operating hours to start at 8:00 am rather than 9:30 am. MLR sent a survey to 2,000 members and were surprised to see a 33% response rate and a clear trend. The vast majority do not support extending the morning operating hours! Click here to view MLR's report.

Ice Out Dates

After this weekend's storm, summer on the lakes might seem like it will never come - but it will! If you recall, late last fall, we asked you to help us track the ice in dates across the chain. Now it's time to track the spring ice out dates.

The ask? Monitor your lake, and when you see conditions matching the official ice out definition found on the Ice In/Ice Out page on our website, reply to the Facebook post with 1) lake name 2) date of observation 3) photo if possible.

All valid submissions will be entered in a drawing for an SRCLA Goodie Bag. Timing depends, of course, on Mother Nature! But this new ice-out tool from UMN might give us some insight. https://seagrant.umn.edu/programs/recreation-and-water-safety-program/mn-ice-out-clock

10 key data points and graphs about loss of shoreline on Minnesota’s lakes

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more of MPR’s Kirsti Mahron articles in her "Trouble by the Water" series, covering wake impacts, pros/cons of riprap, and shoreline steward programs. This article has a lot of great information about recent trends regarding the development of shorelines across Minnesota. It includes a look-up table of shoreland building permits by county.  Here’s what Stearns Co. look like:

There are also look-up tables for shoreline habitat quality and nutrient impairment by lake. To read the full article click here.

2025 SRCLA Lake Monitoring Report

The 2025 SRCLA Lake Monitoring report has been compiled by Abi Borgerding of the Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD). The SRWD and the SRCLA board have worked together for decades on our shared goal of improving water quality. This year's report summarizes data taken from periodic water samples from six lakes on the Chain: Horseshoe, Cedar Island, Bolfing, Krays, Knaus and Schneider. Both flowage and non-flowage lakes are deliberately sampled to provide a complete picture of the health of the Chain.

Click here to read the full report. If you have any questions about the report, please contact our Water Quality lead, Jon Folkedahl, at folkedahljon@gmail.com.

Big news for Minnesota bass anglers!

Minnesota anglers who like to fish for bass will now have the opportunity to catch the fish year-round. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added a new catch-and-release season for bass. The new regulations cover both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The harvest season remains the same, but the new catch-and-release rules went into effect on Monday and include no fishing closures moving forward.

Read more here: https://wjon.com/minnesota-bass-fishing-year-round/

2025 Membership by Lake

The SRLCA appreciates the support of its members!   Revenue from memberships is a major factor in our ability to fund the many initiatives that aim to continue to improve water quality on the Chain.  And a high membership level affirms our collective commitment to partner with our neighbors toward our many shared goals.

The chart below shows the number (inset in the blue bar) and percentage of addresses by lake (the number on top of the bar) that purchased a 2025 SRCLA membership.  As you can see, membership percentages tend to run between 20 - 30%, with a couple of notable exceptions (we’re talking about you, Park Lake and river residents!).

Income from memberships, grants and charitable gambling helps fund aquatic invasive species (AIS) management, as well as projects like the I-LIDS stations at the public landings and the sign & mirror we installed in the channel between Long and Horseshoe Lakes.  For 2026, we’re working with the Sheriff’s Department to improve communication in the event of temporary no-wake designations, including the fabrication of signs to be deployed on bridges to improve awareness by boaters.

The SRCLA board and our members want to grow membership numbers by each lake so we can work as a larger group towards the shared goal of keeping the Chain that we all love, healthy for many years to come.

A stretch goal is to get every lake’s participation percentage up to the level of Park Lake!

So, if you aren’t currently a member or have let your membership lapse for a while, please consider a 2026 membership and join the party!

On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more of MPR’s Kirsti Mahron articles in her "Trouble by the Water" series, covering wake impacts, pros/cons of riprap, and shoreline steward programs. This article highlights yet another great reason to promote natural shorelines…great habitat for loons!  While the Chain has relatively few nesting pairs (most loons are just passing through in the spring and fall), there are some.  And who doesn’t want to encourage more loons to live on the Chain?

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/19/in-crosslake-loons-are-hook-for-sharing-message-about-protecting-shorelines

2026 Fishing Licenses Required 3/1

Today is the last day that fishing licenses issued in 2025 are valid. To ice fish on Sunday, 3/1/26, you must have a 2026 fishing license. To learn more and to purchase a license, go to the DNR Fishing Licenses website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html

5 Stars!

Since 2021, the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association has held a license for charitable gambling that covers pull tabs, bingo, horse racing, and meat raffles at Shady's Longshots.  Along with membership dues and AIS grants, charitable gambling proceeds have become a key revenue contributor, for which we are very grateful.

Each licensed organization is evaluated annually by the Gambling Control Board to determine a rating based on a percentage of the amount spent on lawful purpose expenditures (LPE) during the fiscal year to the net receipts (gross receipts less prizes paid) earned during that fiscal year. Organizations are evaluated according to the following criteria:

% Spent LPE        Rating 

50% or more  -      5 stars 
40% or more   -     4 stars 
30% or more   -     3 stars 
20% or more   -     2 stars 
Less than 20%   -  1 star

For FY2025, the SRCLA has received a 5 star rating, reflecting our careful management of charitable gambling funds.  Links to the documentation: MN DNR Certification, MN GamblingControl Board Overview and Rating.  Our ratings history is:

FY2024: 5 stars
FY2023: 4 stars
FY2022: 5 stars
FY2021: 5 stars

Many thanks to Shady's Longshots, our gambling manager, Keely Frakes-Rau, and the outstanding group of gambling volunteers for their role in this achievement!

Ask the Board: Plan for 2026 Treatments?

We’re starting a new feature, responding to questions directed to the SRCLA Board. Here’s a question submitted to the board via the “Contact’ page:

“Last year the Horseshoe lake chain was treated for weeds which resulted in an enormous improvement in weed reduction. Are there any plans to do the same thing this year? If so, will it be more, less or about the same. Thanks!”

From Richard Gallea, SRCLA President: We've actually treated as much of the Chain as we're allowed to for many years.  But we're constrained by the DNR's permitting process, which strictly regulates where we can treat, how much, and with what chemicals.  To obtain permits, we engage professional contractors to survey the Chain by boat, documenting via GPS what species they found and where.  The treatment locations and chemicals applied vary each year depending on what the surveys tell us about a given year's "crop".  We budget enough money to get that done, however often it makes sense to.

But even if we document undesirable weeds in various locations, there are stringent limits that affect the permits we receive.  Overall, DNR policy prohibits treating more than 15% of the surface area of any body of water.  And generally, we can't treat within 150 feet of shore, as it’s up to individual shoreline owners to manage that area (again, by DNR policy).  

We recently worked out an exception to the 150' rule by negotiating with the DNR to allow us to open up weed-clogged 'channels' that are preventing boaters from accessing the main parts of the Chain.  These permits are easier to obtain and will even cover non-invasive native species (like coontail) if they impede access.

Chemical treatments are not allowed on Becker as it's designated as an Environmental lake, so our only option for control there is via mechanical harvesting, which we do on Becker and selectively on other lakes, as well.

And finally, the effectiveness of treatments can vary year by year due to a variety of factors, such as low/no snow and ice cover the previous winter, fueling the perception that the weed treatments in some years are more effective than others.

We post maps of treatment areas on our website, so you can monitor a given year's treatment plan that way. AND this is a reminder that NOW is the time to apply for your own 2026 shoreline weed treatment permits—don’t wait until spring! Getting your permit early ensures you’ll be ready to tackle aquatic weeds and maintain access when the season starts. Early applications help avoid delays and ensure a smooth treatment process.

💻 Learn more: https://www.srcl.org/chainlinksp24/battling?rq=weeds

 Thanks for the great question! Keep them coming! 

THANK YOU Local Business Owners!

The SRCLA thanks all of our local business owners for your past support of the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association. We take pride in the work we’re able to do on behalf of our members, and you are a key part of that support.

We recently sent out mailers to our past members to renew for 2026. Are you a new business to the area? Short on time? Use the online form link here: https://www.srcl.org/become-a-member

Legislative Update

Yesterday, the 95th Minnesota Legislature convened. It will be a short session, ending May 18th, just 14 weeks. Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates will be there every day, tracking bills that could impact your property taxes, water quality, angling, livability and heritage.

We know it is impossible for you to spend each day at the legislature, pour though hundreds of bill introductions, meet with legislative staff, agency personnel and topic experts.

No worries because Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, a partner of the SRCLA, has your back. They do this work for all of us.

But there is a role for you - Please, sign up for our Citizens Action Network, CAN. As issues arise, we will use the CAN system to send you an email action alert, so you can email with just one click.

Numbers matter in the legislative process. The more lake advocates write their legislators, the more likely the legislature takes actions to support your lake association's work and the lakes you love.

Spring Photo Contest!

It's time to celebrate the beauty of the Sauk River Chain of Lakes with our annual Spring Photo Contest.

All entries must be your own image, centered around the Chain of Lakes, and submitted on our Facebook page by commenting on this post. There is no limit on the number of entries.  SRCLA members and non-members are welcome to submit photos.

The SRCLA board will select the top three submissions for inclusion in our annual magazine, The Chain Link, and the top vote-getter will be the cover photo!  The three winners will have their choice of available SRCLA apparel or promotional items. Submissions may alsobe  spotlighted on our website srcl.org, Facebook and/or Instagram.

Entries must be received by March 6th.

Winter fish handling tips

From Steve Reid, SRCLA Board Member:  Not many years ago, ice fishing meant walking out onto the ice and drilling a hole or two with a hand auger, flipping a 5-gallon bucket over and sitting on it, hoping to get a few bites.   Technology has changed ice fishing substantially over the last decade or so.    The gear we wear is lighter and more insulating, including boots, bibs, gloves and jackets, so we can stay out longer.   Ice houses of all kinds have improved too, providing great comfort out on the lake. Ice drills are available in both gas and electric power to make drilling multiple holes easier to follow fish as they move throughout the day.  And the electronics we use to locate fish under the ice now show fish in real time and how they are reacting to your bait at that moment.   All of this has resulted in fishermen catching more fish than ever before. 

As a result, we all need to be sure we handle the fish we are returning to the water carefully to ensure their survival.   I recently came across this attached article from Fish Brain on this subject and thought I’d share it with all of you.  Nothing really new to experienced ice anglers, but it does serve as a good reminder.  

Speaking of reminders, the Richmond Fire Department is hosting its annual fundraiser, Catfish Fest, on February 13th and 14th at Cedar Lake in Richmond.  I’ve been privileged to work this festival for a couple of years, and it is a lot of fun.   Food, drink and music all out of the ice, and a lot of great people.  I hope to see you all there, and remember to handle any fish you return to the water carefully so we all can enjoy this wonderful fishery for years to come. 

So much attention is, rightfully, focused on safe fish handling in summer, as high water and air temperatures put a strain on a fish’s survivability after the catch. In the cold of winter, however, responsible anglers need to take just as much care when releasing a fish.

We checked in with our local fish experts to learn how to practice proper conservation this winter and explore the specific issues that arise with fish handling in cold weather. Check our guide below.

1. Keep air exposure to an absolute minimum

Fish aren’t adapted to sub-freezing air temperatures, and exposure can greatly increase stress and mortality. As uncomfortable as it may be, keep your catch in the water as much as possible when planning to release it.

2. Keep fish off the ice

This goes hand in hand with keeping fish in the water, but if you remove a fish, keep it in your hands. Snow and ice can cause cold shock and damage the slime coat, which can be fatal. Even if a fish swims away strong, its chances of survival are lower if placed on snow.

3. No gloves

Gloves are essential for winter fishing, but remove them when handling your catch. Most gloves strip a fish’s slime coat, which is especially important in winter when fish produce extra slime to protect against cold stress, infection, and parasites.

Sun, rain, or snow, we always want to conserve the fish we’ve devoted our lives to. We hope you put a strong conservation effort into your fish handling when you brave the elements this winter. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad fishing weather, just soft anglers.

Catfish Fest on the Chain Feb 13-14

Join us for the Catfish Fest on the Chain, an exciting ice fishing tournament hosted by the Richmond Firefighter Relief Association on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes!

• Date: Friday, February 13th – Saturday, February 14th

• Location: Sauk River Chain of Lakes, Cedar Island Lake

• Tickets: Available for purchase online or at any of the sponsored locations.
  

Embrace the winter season with fellow fishing enthusiasts, enjoy great music, and experience the thrill of the catch.
Don't miss out on this fantastic community event!
#CatfishFest #IceFishing #SaukRiverChainOfLakes #CommunityEvent
https://catfishfestonthechain.com/

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend!

During Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, Minnesotans can fish without a license if they take children 15 years old or younger fishing. This year is it Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Minnesotans 15 and younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year. Take a Kid Fishing Weekend is a way for adults and kids to fish together without the step of buying a license.

Ice conditions vary widely across the state. Make sure the ice is thick enough. Review the DNR’s ice thickness guidelines.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/minnaqua/icefishing/index.html

Building Memories at the Lake

Our publication team wants to start a new feature for our annual magazine, The Chain Link, titled “Building Memories at the Lake”, and we’d love to hear from you!  Here are the details:

• Word count limit = 250 (to allow space for several winning entries)

• Identify which lake you live on [and the lake(s) your photos are from, if different]

• Please submit 3 – 5 photos (jpg or png) with captions that illustrate your story (the SRCLA reserves the right to crop photos if necessary)

• Emphasize fun traditions with family and friends.  Bonus points for including family pets!

• Email your story and photos to rjgallea@gmail.com by Friday, February 20th.

The publication team will select up to four entries for inclusion in this year’s edition of The Chain Link, and the winners will have their choice of available SRCLA apparel or promotional items.  Submissions may also be spotlighted on our website, srcl.org, Facebook and/or Instagram.

Keep it Clean!

Minnesota has legislation that issues fines for leaving garbage or waste on the ice. Ice is no place for your garbage and waste. Legally contain and dispose of it. Thank you! ✨

To learn more head over to https://keepitcleanmn.org/

**The SRCLA has no affiliation with keepitcleanmn.org**