Cook County 2006 fishing closures to protect spawning walleye (2006-05-02)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced several fishing closures in Cook County during the beginning of the 2006 fishing season to protect concentrations of spawning walleyes. 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 be in effect through late May:

-Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows is closed through May 26

- Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota-Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga Lake is closed through May 31

- Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake is closed through May 31

- Channel between Little Gunflint and Little North Lakes on the Minnesota-Ontario border is closed through May 31

- Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake is closed through May 26.

Because of the early spring ice-out in 2006 and an 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

- 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.

These 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. Questions can be directed to the DNR office in Grand Marais at (218) 387-3056.

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