Cook County Fishing Closures Will Protect Spawning Fish

Even if the announcement about the 2013 fishing season involves closures, it is nice to think ahead to warmer weather and the season getting underway.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wishes to inform anglers that there will be several fishing closures in Cook County during the beginning of the 2013 fishing season to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border.

The following closures took effect April 1:

• Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows, closed through May 24
• Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota‑Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga Lake, closed through May 31.
• Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake, closed through May 31.
• Channel between Little Gunflint and Little North Lakes on the Minnesota‑Ontario border, closed through May 31.
• Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake, closed through May 24.

The following areas will be closed to fishing from May 11 through May 24:

• 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.

Closures apply to fishing only; travel is permitted through these areas. All closed areas will be posted.

The closures are intended to protect concentrations of walleye that may be vulnerable to over-harvest in what is expected to be a year with relatively late ice-out and delayed spawning.  Questions can be directed to the DNR fisheries office in Grand Marais at 218-387-3056, or to the Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor, Steve Persons at steve.persons@state.mn.us.