The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close several fishing areas in Cook County during the beginning of the 2010 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 will take 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 28.
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 28.
Because of an anticipated early spring ice-out in 2010 (and early completion of walleye spawning activity), the following areas, which are normally closed to fishing for one or two weeks at the beginning of the fishing season, will not be closed this year:
Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 339 crossing – not closed in 2010.
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 – not closed in 2010.
Closures apply to fishing only; travel is permitted through these areas. The closures are intended to protect concentrations of walleye that may be vulnerable to over-harvest. All closed areas will be posted.
For more information, contact the DNR office in Grand Marais at (218)387- 3056 or email the Grand Marais Area fisheries supervisor at steve.persons@ state.mn.us .
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