Photo: John Sekutowski on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 7, 2026


Following late winter snow and a lingering spring chill, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its 2026 fishing opener outlook for the Northeast Region. While some anglers have already enjoyed getting out and fishing for stream trout, which began in April, the rest will be able to get out on lakes (at least the ones with ice out) for the main opener on Saturday, May 9. 

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth, the weather this weekend looks dry, with temperatures cooler than normal in the 40s to low 60s, depending on location. 

A portion of northern Cook and Lake Counties is under a flood advisory until Monday, May 11. The NWS states that some area rivers and lakes will continue to have elevated water levels. Specifically, anglers heading to areas near the end of the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais or Ely will see higher-than-average water levels, which are expected to slowly decrease in the coming days. 

Those heading into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) should expect high water levels, potentially impacting some portages or campsite, and dangerous rapids.

Along with elevated water levels, many roads and public access sites may be underwater or in poor condition due to the spring melt, recent heavy rainfall, and/or previous flooding events. For those planning to fish in the Finland area, the DNR states that spring conditions "may limit early season travel in some areas of the Superior National Forest where roads are not plowed." However, conditions are expected to improve once the weather is consistently warmer. 

Both the NWS and the DNR warn anyone out and about this weekend to be prepared for extremely cold water. Approximately 30% of fatal boating accidents occur during cold-water periods, making life jackets a necessity.

Additionally, boaters must adhere to "Clean In, Clean Out" protocols, ensuring all equipment is drained and dry to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Updated regulatory changes

Ice out

The timing of the opener comes during a slow transition into spring. According to reports from many lodges and outfitters along the Gunflint Trail and throughout inland Cook County, some lakes have opened, while others remain closed but not quite there. Recent warm temperatures and strong winds helped move the ice around at many locations. 

Trout & Salmon

Cold water temperatures are expected to benefit trout anglers this season, with the DNR reporting that "fishing for trout should be good this spring with cold temperatures keeping fish in shallow waters," making them more accessible to shore and canoe anglers. 

Stocked rainbow trout lakes in Cook County include Birch, Esther, and Leo, and Echo and Hogback lakes in Lake County remain popular fishing locations. Additionally, Thompson, Trout, and Leo lakes are stocked annually with yearling rainbow trout in mid to late May, according to the DNR. 

Other lakes in the area, including in and out of the BWCAW, are stocked with fall fingerling brook trout or splake. 

For stream trout, in the Grand Marais and Finland areas, Lake Superior tributaries like the Temperance, Cascade, and Baptism rivers may hold steelhead into May due to persisting ice and snowpack.

To find streams and lakes for trout fishing, check out the DNRTroutfinder.

Boat anglers near Duluth have seen success trolling stickbaits near the surface for Coho salmon. The DNR anticipates a "great year" for Coho and notes that lake trout abundance is near record highs. 

Smelt

Regarding the spring smelt run, cold overnight temperatures may delay the main run in the tributaries, according to the DNR. However, a large 2022 year-class of cisco has reduced predation pressure on smelt, which the DNR suggests could result in "good numbers" once water temperatures reach 40 degrees. 

Northern pike

For northern pike, the DNR said that while trophy-sized fish can often be found in shallow, warm bays, "water temps may need to come up before they are willing to bite." 

Smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass fishing is predicted to be slow for the opener due to the cold water, though the new catch-and-release season provides earlier access for those willing to brave the temperatures.

Walleye

In the Grand Marais area, the DNR said that while some walleye may still be spawning, the sudden shift toward open water may improve the "hit or miss" nature of the early bite. Additionally, the DNR issued a reminder that on Sea Gull, Gull, and Saganaga lakes, there is a three-walleye bag limit with only one fish larger than 20 inches.

In the Finland area of Lake County, shallower lakes with darker water, such as Silver Island and Toohey, are expected to warm faster and offer better early-season catch rates.

Seasonal rivers and stream closures

Anglers planning to fish in rivers and/or streams should be aware of specific seasonal closures designed to protect vulnerable fish populations during their spawning cycles. Several rivers and streams in Cook and Lake counties are closed to all fishing through May. These designated areas, which often include sections of major tributaries to Lake Superior, are marked with shore-based signs or floating markers at the closure boundaries. 

Updated fish consumption guidelines

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued updated fish consumption guidelines specifically for Northeast Minnesota. These recommendations address mercury levels found in local species and differentiate between "sensitive populations," including children and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the "general population." 

For sensitive groups, the MDH advises avoiding muskellunge, northern pike 26 inches or longer, and walleye 18 inches or longer. Those in the general population are advised to limit muskellunge to one serving per month and species like walleye and lake trout to one serving per week. 

Learn more here.

For state licensing or fishing regulations, visit: dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html

To see fishing outlooks for other portions of Minnesota, visit: dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/outlooks.html