DNR Closes Access To Highest Number of Rivers, Streams in Years

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asks anglers and boaters to stay out of several streams, creeks and rivers to protect reproducing fish. Fish biologists say walleye and other fish are moving into flowing water.

DNR Fisheries Management Consultant Jon Hansen says the closures are a proactive approach to protecting fish from poachers or getting disturbed while breeding.

“There are some other seasons that are open like sucker and some rough fish seasons. And that is a popular opportunity for folks. The fact that so many walleye are aggregated in that area, it could potentially draw some activity through other sucker focused harvest. A lot of enforcement staff finds it really helpful to just try to keep folks out of there. So there’s not that temptation.”

The DNR has the highest number of steam closures in years. Hansen says it’s because of the weather.

“The spring is so late that there is actually some possibility that the walleye opener will go past when fish are spawning. And so, that’s why there’s an unusual number. It’s adding that additional potential protection needed for those fish.”

The DNR will have signs posted at the river and stream access points and the closed areas. To see which areas are closed, click here.

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