Fishing to start late on certain NE Minn. waters

The Minnesota DNR and its sister agency in Ontario are closing several border lakes and rivers to fishing in a move to protect spawning walleye from potential over-harvest.

Officials say the mid-May fishing season opener will find northern lakes still under ice, especially along the Canadian border. The walleye will be spawning as the ice breaks up, and heavy fishing could put them at risk.

Affected waters include parts of Sea Gull River, Sea Gull Lake, Saganaga Lake, Northern Light Rapids, the channel between Little Gunflint and Little North Lakes, Cross River, Tait River, and Junco Creek. Closed portions of these waters will be posted.

Closings on joint Minnesota-Ontario waters will be in effect through May; Minnesota-only waters will open the Friday before Memorial Day.

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Minnesota's main walleye season opens May 14.

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Online:

- Minnesota DNR