Minnesota DNR clarifies seasonal closures that protect walleye

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Minnesota DNR clarifies seasonal closures that protect walleye
(Released April 6, 2011)


Only small portions of some Cook County lakes and streams along the Minnesota-Ontario border that traditionally hold concentrations of spawning walleye will be closed to fishing during the early part of the upcoming season, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

These closures, the majority of which occur annually and are required by law, will not delay the walleye fishing opener on Saturday, May 14, on all other Cook County lakes and streams.

Closed areas, concentrated along the Gunflint Trail northwest of Grand Marias, remain open for travel but are closed to fishing for short periods each year to prevent potential over-harvest of walleye that congregate during the spawning season. Closures on the border waters, required by state law and done in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, are enforced in Minnesota and Ontario.

All areas closed to fishing will be posted.

As in past years, the following areas were closed to fishing on Friday,
April 1:

Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows will be closed through May 27
Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga Lake will be closed through May 31
Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake will be closed through May 31
Channel between Little Gunflint and Little North lakes on the Minnesota-Ontario border will be closed through May 31
Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake will be closed through May 27.
The following areas will be closed to fishing from Saturday, May 14, through Friday, May 27:

Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 340 crossing, including a portion of White Pine Lake
Junco Creek from the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, and including a portion of Devil Track Lake near the river mouth.