Seasonal fishing closures impact local rivers and streams in Cook and Lake Counties
Apr 23, 2026 10:09AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 23, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced seasonal fishing closures in rivers and streams to protect fish spawning areas in Cook and Lake counties.
Cross River: From the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake, including 300 yards from the mouth of the river into the lake (closed April 1 – May 22).
Devil Track River: From 1.1 to 1.6 miles above the mouth (closed September 1 – May 31).
Gauthier Creek: Entire creek (closed September 1 – May 31).
Granite River: From Saganaga Falls downstream to Saganaga Lake, including the lake within 300 yards of the river mouth (closed April 1 – May 31).
Junco River: From the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, including the lake within 300 yards of the river mouth (closed May 9 – May 22).
Kadunce Creek: From 0.2 to 0.4 miles above the mouth (closed September 1 – May 31).
Little Gunflint-Little North Channel: The channel between these two lakes, including 300 yards into Little Gunflint and 100 yards into Little North (closed April 1 – May 31).
Sea Gull River: From Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake, ending approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows (closed April 1 – May 22).
Fall Lake: Below the hydropower facility (closed April 26 – May 9).
Shagawa River: Both sides of the road crossings at Winton (closed April 26 – May 9).
According to MN DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Edmund J. Isaac, updates for Junco Creek and the Tait River are expected to be released in the coming week or so.
Anglers must observe all posted signs at fishing sites, as these boundaries are strictly enforced to manage local fish populations.
To see the most up-to-date list, visit: dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/fishing-seasonal-closures.html
