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

Apr 25, 2022 | 12:03 PM

Photo via Jake Judd KNSI News

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM/KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking anglers and boaters to stay out of several streams, creeks and rivers to protect reproducing fish.

The DNR has the highest number of steam closures in years because of the extended winter like 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,” said DNR Fisheries Management Consultant Jon Hansen

Fish biologists say walleye and other fish are moving into flowing water and the closures are a proactive approach to protecting fish from poachers or getting disturbed while breeding.

In the Lakes Area parts of the Pelican River are off limits including 500 feet upstream and 500 feet downstream from Dunton Locks Bridge between Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie as well as below Bucks Mill Dam to Buck Lake and from Big Detroit Lake upstream to State Highway 34.

The DNR will have signs posted at the river and stream access points and the closed areas.

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