BEMIDJI — Zebra mussels are confirmed present in Beltrami Lake north of Bemidji.
According to a Thursday, July 17, news release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said a lakeshore property owner made the initial call to its office after finding zebra mussels attached to rocks. A DNR invasive species specialist found an adult zebra mussel attached to another rock nearby in a follow-up search.
Beltrami Lake was previously infested with starry stonewort.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to clean aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species off of watercraft, trailers and equipment; drain water from drain plugs; dispose of unwanted bait in the trash; and dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them between waterbodies.
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Megan Buffington/KAXEMt. Itasca is hosting Snojam, a snowboarding event, as well as the Redwing Central Division Championships of Ski Jumping Feb. 28-March 1, 2026, in Coleraine. -
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Lorie Shaull/ContributedThe DNR adopted new rules in January 2026, changing the previously closed portion of the bass fishing season to catch-and-release, meaning fishing for the species is open year-round.
