DNR works to update fisheries management plans including several in Cook County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries offices are seeking public comment as the agency updates management plans for over 197 lakes across the state.

Management plans identify specific fisheries management activities for a lake or stream, including proposed stocking or special regulations.

Of the nearly 200 lakes, the DNR will update fisheries management plans for 16 lakes in Cook County.

The Grand Marais fisheries office will review updates for the following lakes: Bingshick, Cascade, Devil Track, Fay, Greenwood, Gull, Hog, Pike, West Pike, Red Rock, Little Saganaga, Sea Gull, Thompson, Tom, Two Island, and Unnamed (Noname)

“We’re inviting anyone interested in the health and quality of Minnesota’s fisheries to contact us during this critical part of the DNR’s fisheries lake management planning process,” said Ryan Maki, fisheries management consultant.

The DNR is seeking public comment about anglers’ preferred experiences, observations, or general concerns about the fishery.

E.J. Isaac, Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor, said the DNR is exploring potential changes to walleye stocking in Devil Track Lake. Other proposed changes in Cook County are designated trout regulations for Thompson Lake.

“We are considering or exploring the removal of Thompson Lake as a trophy trout designation,” Isaac said.

Removing Thompson Lake, located along Devil Track Road, would likely take longer to establish criteria, Isaac said. Current regulations on the 18-acre lake are catch-and-release only, with the use or possession of bait prohibited. The lake, which is home to brown trout and rainbow trout, is closed to winter fishing.

Rainbow Trout | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Isaac said the Grand Marais fisheries office has received several calls and public comments so far regarding a few Cook County lakes, and that staff welcomes more public input on management practices.

“We are always open to receiving comments,” Isaac said. “That public-angler input is useful.”

Several of the other Cook County lakes under review for management plan updates are within or partially within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), such as Bingshick, Fay, Red Rock, Little Saganaga, and Sea Gull Lake.

“These plans establish fisheries management goals and objectives for each lake and define the work fisheries biologists do each year. Observations and input from a lake’s stakeholders are essential to the planning effort,” Maki said.

The public comment period is open until March 31. The DNR said fisheries staff will consider the public comments as they develop updates to each management plan.

For more information about Cook County area lakes or to discuss the plans and submit your comments, call or email E.J. Isaac at 218-387-6022 or edmund.isaac@state.mn.us.  Visit the Minnesota DNR Fisheries website to view the list of lakes up for review in 2026 here.

In neighboring Lake County, the Finland area fisheries office is seeking public comment as it reviews and updates six management plans. The lakes include: Crooked, Hare, Hog, Little Wilson, Ninemile, and Wye Lake.

For more information on the Finland area lakes or to submit comments, call 218-353-8855 or email Finland Area Supervisor Matthew Weberg at matthew.weberg@state.mn.us.

Kalli Hawkins March 21, 2026