Photo: John Sekutowski on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 7, 2025

The fishing opener in Minnesota officially kicks off this weekend, which means many anglers will return to the water. To help prepare, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its annual fishing outlook for the state, including the Grand Marais and Lake Superior regions.  

DNR Outlook for Grand Marais and Lake Superior Area

Despite a somewhat mild winter in the Grand Marais area, late-season snowfall and cold temperatures have caused snow and ice to persist in many areas (especially further away from Lake Superior). Depending on warm weather and rain, if ice-out has not yet occurred on some lakes, it might happen just before the opener, and some lakes may still have ice cover (see this article for information about a new tool that helps predict ice-out on your favorite lake). Water temperatures are predicted to be cold for the opener, meaning walleye may still be spawning in certain areas, suggesting good fishing, according to the MN DNR. 

It's important to note that several waters in the Grand Marais area are closed in May to protect spawning walleye populations, so anglers should carefully review the regulations and closures before they make the trip to their favorite lake. However, signage will be present at these locations. 

Additionally, new walleye regulations are in effect for the Sea Gull, Gull, and Saganaga lakes, featuring a three-fish bag limit with only one fish larger than 20 inches. Good northern pike fishing may be found in shallow, warmer bays of larger lakes. However, their overall abundance is typically lower, and warmer water temperatures may be needed for them to be more active.

Smallmouth bass fishing is expected to be slow at the opener but should improve after Memorial Day.

Lake trout fishing in relatively shallow water is predicted to be excellent for the opener due to the late ice-out. For those interested in stocked rainbow trout lakes, Birch, Esther, Kimball, Mayhew, Mink, Pine (Trestle Pine), Thompson, Trout, and Leo lakes are stocked annually with yearling rainbow trout in May. Many lakes are also stocked with fall fingerling brook trout or splake, both within and outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering outstanding backcountry fishing opportunities. 

Trout fishing generally should be good this spring, with cold temperatures keeping fish in shallower waters, making them more accessible to shore or canoe anglers. The major tributaries of Lake Superior in the Grand Marais area might still hold some steelhead into May, as runs are expected to be later than usual due to considerable stream ice and deep snowpack. 

The Temperance, Cascade, Devil Track, and Brule rivers are popular tributaries to fish on the upper shore. Brook trout fishing in streams above barriers may be good with decent stream flow, although conditions can be variable. Anglers should also be aware that some forest roads and portage trails may be in poor spring conditions and should plan their trips accordingly.

Important Reminders from the Minnesota DNR

License: Anglers should ensure they possess a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from DNR license agents, by phone at 888-665-4236, or online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense (online purchasers receive immediate license verification via text or email). 

Aquatic invasive species: Protecting Minnesota's waters requires adherence to the Clean In Clean Out protocol. This involves thoroughly cleaning and draining all watercraft and equipment, properly disposing of any debris, and ensuring all drain plugs remain removed during transport to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. You can learn more about aquatic invasive species in Cook County here. 

Fish consumption: The Minnesota Department of Health provides essential fish consumption guidance, which is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Anglers should consult site-specific advice for the waters they intend to fish. The statewide guidelines should be followed if a particular water body is not listed.

Related: MDH updates fish consumption guidelines due to PFAS: smelt limits relaxed, other parts of state fish consumption not advised

Cold water safety: Safety around cold water is a critical concern. Wearing a properly fitted and fastened life jacket is the most effective way to stay safe in the event of an unexpected fall into cold water.

Seasonal fishing closures: Anglers must be aware of any seasonal fishing closures in specific Minnesota waters implemented to protect spawning fish. Specific details can be found on the DNR website.

Mother's Day Weekend Fishing Challenge

With opener weekend falling around the same time as Mother's Day, Minnesota moms are invited to participate in a complimentary virtual fishing challenge during the Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, spanning Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11. During this weekend, Minnesota moms can fish without a fishing license. 

Participation involves joining the 2025 Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge Facebook group and submitting photographs of any fish caught. All participants will be entered into a random drawing for various prizes. Additionally, Women Anglers of Minnesota will host webinars within the Facebook group on May 6 (Trout Fishing 101) and May 8 (Shore and Lake Fishing 101). Further information is available on the DNR website.

Fishing Regulations and Resources

The Minnesota DNR offers a comprehensive fishing page to address angler inquiries. This resource provides access to LakeFinder, electronic versions of fishing regulations, and other valuable information. Fishing regulations booklets are available in several languages, including English, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish. Printed English versions are available at locations where DNR licenses are sold, and translated versions can be found at select DNR offices, license vendors, and some Minnesota state parks.

Updated Fishing Regulations for Cook County

Statewide regulations now include a burbot possession limit of 4 and a Cisco and Whitefish possession limit of 15. For Saganaga, Sea Gull, and Gull lakes, as well as the Alpine and Sea Gull River, the special regulations for walleye include a three-fish bag limit, with only one fish allowed to be larger than 20 inches. To see a full list of regulations, visit the MN DNR page here.

To see fishing outlooks in other areas of the state, click here.