Field reports: Walleye rule changes possible on Kab, Crane and Namakan

Anglers interested in walleye fishing on Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Crane and Little Vermilion lakes in northern St. Louis County are invited to participate in public meetings on lakes that make up the Namakan Reservoir system.

The DNR is considering making changes to walleye regulations on the big border-area lakes, including reducing the sauger limit by two. The current regulation has been in place since 2007 and will expire March 1, 2019. Input at the meetings will help determine if the current rule is changed or extended.

The current regulation requires the immediate release of walleye from 17-28 inches. One walleye more than 28 inches long is allowed in a possession limit of four walleye. Anglers are currently allowed four walleye in a combined limit of six walleye and sauger.

The DNR may keep the current regulation or consider one of two other options:

• Match the current Rainy Lake regulation of an 18-26 inch protected slot limit with one walleye over 26 inches.

• Set a harvest slot that would protect a similar size range of larger fish as the protected slot, but also protect smaller fish from harvest.

All options could be combined with a four-fish aggregate bag limit for walleye and sauger; a reduction of two sauger from the current limit.

"These five lakes are popular fishing destinations. While each lake has had a different response to the current regulation, the fisheries are healthy overall," said Kevin Peterson, International Falls area fisheries supervisor with the DNR. "We want to be sure the public has plenty of opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion."

The meetings, each running 7-9 p.m. will be Oct. 2, at the Kabetogama Community Center along County Road 122 in Kabetogama and Oct. 4, at the Crane Lake Fire Hall, 7400 Handberg Road in Crane Lake.

Comments can also be sent to: DNR area fisheries office, 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649; by phone at 218-286-5220; or via email to kevin.peterson@state.mn.us . All comments must be received Oct. 15. More information on fishing regulations can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/fishing.

Third Duluth women's hike Tuesday

The Duluth Parks and Recreation division has partnered with Hike Duluth for a series of guided hikes throughout the city and the third hike of the series will take place from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at Chester Park.

Participants should gather at the playground near the Chester Bowl Chalet. This event is free and no registration is required. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Kids are welcome to join. Contact Duluth Parks and Recreation at (218) 730-4325. Rain date is Sept. 25. Any changes will be posted at DuluthParksMN Facebook page.

10th annual Heck of the North bike race Sept. 29

The 10th annual Heck of the North series of gravel road bike races is set for Saturday in rural Lake County, north of Two Harbors.

Volunteers are still needed and cyclists can enter through Sept. 26.

The 100 mile course will feature over 50 new miles of remote gravel road with a scenic and challenging 55-mile course also offered along with a new, 20-mile course aimed at beginners. All routes begin and end at the Alger Grade parking lot off Lake County Highway 2, north of Two Harbors. Support stations will be provided on the 100 and 55 mile routes.

Registration costs between $25-$65 and a portion of all entries will support the Northwoods Cycling Team, which fosters training, education, racing and the joys of cycling for all ages and abilities. For more information, contact Jeremy Kershaw at jeremybkershaw@gmail.com or (952) 303-2101 or go to heckofthenorth.com.

Meeting on state forest ATV trails

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites anyone with an interest in recreational trail systems and motorized recreation in the Kabetogama and Sturgeon River state forests in St. Louis County to attend a public meeting on Sept. 26.

The meeting is set for 6:30-8 p.m. at the Cook Community Center, 799 Third Ave. Southeast.

The DNR is considering several changes in how and where ATVs are used in the two state forests, including new trails, permitting ATVs and off-highway vehicles to use some snowmobile trails, designating parts of the Taconite State Trail to allow ATVs and OHVs, and designating existing hunter walking trails.

The DNR will also accept written comments through 4:30 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 11 to foresttrailplanning.dnr@state.mn.us , fax to (651) 297-1157 or mail Joe Unger, Parks and Trails Division, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039. Call the the DNR Parks and Trails Tower area office at (218) 300-7842 for more information.