fishing

The agency said it is also close to finishing upgrades on the pier on Sand Lake near Warba.

Jack Lien has been exploring the area lakes ahead of opener on May 9, 2026, both to familiarize himself with them and to study "where the fishermen are going to get their boats and where they might find success.”

The "KAXE Morning Show" featured fishing guide Jeff Sundin, Anne Dougherty of Wambolt Cabins in Nevis, and Visit Grand Rapids Director Megan Christenson on the tourism economy in Itasca County.

New guidelines specific to St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties account for the fact that fish in the region generally have higher mercury concentrations.

Under current rules, there are no bag limits on many of the state's native rough fish, such as dogfish and sheepshead.

The 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.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will accept comment on reducing the statewide daily limit on walleye through March 5, 2026.

Sundin is an Itasca County fishing guide who reports on fishing conditions, regulations and tips for anglers on the "KAXE Morning Show."

The walleye population is in "excellent shape," but the winter fishery is so popular, the limit is one lower than it was for open water season.

Currently closed periods would be open for catch-and-release for largemouth and smallmouth bass, creating a continuous, year-round season.