MNDNR

The MNDNR has a page with local fishing information on their website, just in time for fishing opener weekend next week. The regional fishing reports are available for anglers and would-be anglers to find detailed information about waters and area fish. The round-ups are from area fisheries managers and thy offer things like where to find early season walleye far Up North or which area lakes have northern pike greater than 24 inches. This year is already shaping up to be a decent year for northern pike- the high water has given pike more shoreline grasses where they like to spawn. These are all important bits of information, since next weekend is also Take a Mom Fishing weekend, during which Minnesota moms can fish without a license. Because, by the way, next Sunday the 14th is Mothers’ Day. More information is on the DNR website at MNDNR.gov.

The MNDNR said thatburn restrictions are now affecting Crow Wing County, among others. Crow Wing County was added to the list that includes Mille Lacs, Morrison and Todd. The burn restrictions are in place as warm and windy, dry weather settle in over the state. Dormant and dead vegetation from last year creates fuel for wildfires, which are more likely in May than in any other period in Minnesota. The landscape will green up soon and many of the restrictions can be lifted then. For now, though, open fires are disallowed. Information on what to do with yard waste is available on the DNR website.