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Not Long Before the Spawn

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     I wasn’t ever around to see what the Seagull River looked like on fishing openers of the past.  Since I’ve been on the Gunflint Trail the river has been closed to fishing for the walleye spawn until the end of the month to protect the fish.  From what I have heard you could walk from boat to boat there were so many people fishing the river.  The state record walleye came from a hole right above the rapids during one opener and many other big ones were taken as well in those days.  Now the DNR closes the best fishing places until they are sure the spawning fish are gone which should help the fish population.

Cook County 2008 fishing closures protect spawning walleye (March 18, 2008) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will close fishing at several locations in Cook County during the 2008 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 go in effect beginning 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 23
  • 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 23

       The following areas will be closed to fishing May 10 through May 16:

  • Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 339 crossing, including a portion of White Pine Lake
  • Junco Creek from the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, 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.