Minnesota Mixed Bag: DNR issues rulemaking notice for Lake Superior, tributaries regs – Outdoor News
St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is proposing rule changes to adjust Minnesota’s fishing regulations on Lake Superior and its tributaries.
The goals of this rule proposal are simplification and standardization of trout seasons start and end dates above and below boundaries; to remove the restriction that of the five salmon allowed to be kept only one is an Atlantic salmon; to clarify the place where inland fishing regulations apply for other species not specified in Lake Superior rules compared with Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters rules in the St. Louis River; and to change “to” to “through” in season-setting language for more clarity.
The DNR is seeking comments on these proposed rules until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Review the details of these proposals and see how to comment on the DNR rulemaking webpage.
For more information or to request a copy of the proposed rules, contact: Bethany Bethke, Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota DNR Section of Fisheries, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155; at (651) 259-5266; or by email at [email protected]
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SPRING BURNING RESTRICTIONS UNDER WAY IN MINNESOTA
St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR currently is restricting the open burning of vegetative debris due to increased wildfire risk resulting from dry conditions in central Minnesota.
The restrictions apply in the following counties: Anoka, Benton, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Washington, and Wright.
The DNR will not issue permits for open burning of brush or yard waste in these counties until restrictions are lifted.
The DNR encourages residents to use alternatives to burning to dispose of yard waste, such as composting, chipping, or taking brush to a collection site. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website.
Burning restrictions will be adjusted as conditions change. For more information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website.
ZEBRA MUSSELS CONFIRMED IN KITTSON’S LAKE BRONSON
St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Bronson, near the city of Lake Bronson in Kittson County.
Lake Bronson is located in Lake Bronson State Park. Park staff reported a zebra mussel attached to a rock near a public access. A DNR invasive species specialist found more adult zebra mussels in the same area.
Lake Bronson has been drawn down as part of a DNR project to replace the aging Lake Bronson Dam. While the park remains open, access to the lake is prohibited and no fishing is allowed during the project to ensure public safety and protect sensitive resources in the project area. Project completion is anticipated by July 2027. More information is available on the park webpage.
More information about aquatic invasive species prevention is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website.
FISHING MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME TO HOST ‘PROS’ NIGHT
Little Falls, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame will host its 17th annual “Night with the Fishing Pros” on Friday, April 4, at the Rice Creek, Hunting, Recreation, and Event Center in Little Falls.
The fund-raising event will feature games and pull tabs, silent and live auctions that include guided fishing trips, and a chance to meet the legends of the fishing industry.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and dinner is at 6:30. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for those age 16 and younger. Purchase tickets at www.mnfishingmuseum.com or www.fishinghalloffamemn.com
BLUE RIBBON’S OPEN HOUSE IS SET FOR APRIL 5
Oakdale, Minn. — The 16th annual Blue Ribbon Bait and Tackle open house will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the shop in Oakdale. This is the shop’s spring “super sale” with specials on tackle, rods, reels, and more. There is no admission. Food will be provided by Big Guys Roadhouse BBQ.
The event is hosted by Josh Stevenson, owner of Blue Ribbon Bait and Mighty Musky Guide Service. For more information, visit www.blueribbonbait.com or the Blue Ribbon Facebook page.
NORTH DAKOTA 2025-26 LICENSES NEEDED APRIL 1
Bismarck, N.D. — North Dakota anglers, hunters, and trappers should note that new licenses are required beginning April 1.
Licenses may be purchased online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Once the license is processed, hunters and anglers will have the option to print a hard copy and/or download the license to a smartphone or mobile device, which is helpful when asked to show proof while hunting or fishing in rural areas that lack cellular service.
Licenses may also be purchased at more than 80 vendor locations throughout the state. The 2025-26 small-game, fishing and furbearer licenses are effective April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
