Reports: Walleyes, sturgeon hitting

[Lee Borgersen]

  Field Reports: Walleyes, sturgeon hitting on Rainy River

 
By Sam Cook Today at 6:35 a.m.

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Justin Bailey of Keewatin caught this 28-inch walleye on Wednesday on the Rainy River. Anglers have been enjoying plenty of success with the river's walleyes this spring. Justin Bailey photo
The Rainy River is ice-free all the way to Lake of the Woods, and anglers have had lots of good walleye and sturgeon action during the recent mild weather, said Dennis Topp, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assistant area fisheries supervisor in Baudette. All boat launches are now open, Topp said Thursday.

"Anglers are spread out through the whole system," Topp said. "Weather has been phenomenal. The fish are cooperating — both sturgeon and walleyes are biting good. This is the time."

The walleye season on the Rainy River will remain open through April 14. Check regulations at mndnr.gov for sturgeon season information.

Wisconsin spring hearings set

Wisconsin's Conservation Congress will hold its annual spring hearings on April 10 in all 72 counties across the state.

Each hearing will begin at 7 p.m. For a list of hearing locations, go to dnr.wi.gov and look for the "Spring Hearings" link. In Douglas County, the hearing will be held at Northwestern High School, 4751 County Road F in Maple.

Individuals interested in natural resources management have an opportunity at the meetings to provide their input by nonbinding vote and testimony on proposed rule changes and advisory questions relating to fish and wildlife management in the state.

County residents have the option to run for a seat on the Conservation Congress and to elect delegates from their county to represent their views on the congress. Also, individuals have the opportunity to bring forth new conservation issues of a statewide nature to the congress.

Munger Trail work starts soon

A 5-mile section of the Willard Munger State Trail between Grand Avenue and Becks Road in western Duluth will be closed for an extensive construction project from mid-April through August, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The project will stabilize parts of the treadway damaged during the 2012 flood. Because heavy equipment will be operating in the area, the section of the trail will be closed to all traffic throughout the project.

Robins, herons returning

Diane Schmidt Gobin filed this note in her weekly update from the Brule River State Forest:

"The robins have returned to the Brule River State Forest! Other migrating birds are also being seen in the area. The great blue herons have returned and frequent the (Brule State) Fish Hatchery, looking for an easy meal."

 

Justin Bailey of Keewatin caught this 28-inch walleye on Wednesday