The lakes of northern Minnesota are mostly ready for anglers this weekend, when the state’s fishing season begins in earnest. The Superior National Forest reports that water is free of ice (because it’s mid-May in Minnesota and that must be confirmed), campgrounds are open, docks are in, and campfires should be legal.
After a dry, windy stretch of days, it has been cool and raining recently, and two significant fires have nearly been totally contained. While no campfire restrictions are planned, caution is critical. Fire conditions are expected to worsen again next week.
Anglers who want to fish the bountiful waters of the canoe country wilderness should plan on the possibility of fallen trees on portages and campsites, as Forest Service rangers are still working to clear facilities after a particularly damaging winter, especially on the east side of the National Forest.
“The Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts were particularly hit hard during the winter of 2015-2016,” the agency reports. “Heavy snowfall caused significant damage to trees and shrubs on roads, and along portage and hiking trails on the Forest, including the BWCAW.”
Lakes and rivers are still very cold and dangerous, and anyone on the water is urged to wear a life vest. Boaters must remove all vegetation from their boats and trailers before and after entering a body of water, to help prevent the spread of non-native plants and animals.
There are thousands of lakes in the Superior National Forest. There are 77 boat landings and 13 fishing piers.There are campgrounds and remote campsites. There are pike, perch, trout, and walleye. There is much more information available on the website.
