A Positive Forecast from the Fisheries Chief

The Chief of Fisheries for the DNR is among those expecting a good walleye opening weekend. 

Dirk Peterson says fish activities is just a little ahead of schedule, despite the early ice-out.  He tells KLKS News While March was a lot warmer than normal statewide, April was about average.  Still, he says the spawn is complete except for the northern most part of Minnesota.

Peterson is reminding anglers of the new regulations meant to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.  He says anglers need to check the regulations booklet for details.

Peterson is hopeful the state plan to install physical barriers will keep Asian carp from spreading into Brainerd Lakes waters.

Fair Weather for Fishing Opener

Fishermen generally like a bit of a walleye chop for the fishing opener. 

KLKS Meteorologist Tony Schumacher says the weather should be cooperative.  It will be cool in the morning with an over-night low in the mid 30s.  But sunny and mild both Saturday and Sunday.

Schumacher says there should be no reason to be a land lubber this weekend.

Detour in Pine River

The detour on Highway 371 in  Pine River will go into effect on Tuesday, May 15. 

During the detour, southbound traffic will use Cass County Road 2, to Cass County Road 14, Mill Street and Cass County Road 1.

Northbound traffic will be routed onto Ridge Avenue, First Street and Jefferson Avenue through mid-June while crews reconstruct Highway 371. 

Design Electric will be removing the signal system at the intersection of Highway 371 and Highway 84/ Barclay Avenue in Pine River on Wednesday, May 16.

All work is scheduled to be complete by mid-June, weather permitting.

Walleye Dan Sees a Good Opener

Dan Eigen, better known as Walleye Dan, is expecting a really good walleye fishing opener this weekend.  He tells KLKS News, because of the early ice-out, he expects the fish to be a little deeper this year.

Eigen, an area guide, says if it turns out to be a bright and sunny weekend, this best fishing will be during first light and evening hours.  If the wind blows, it should be good all day.  He says he will stick to the standard Fireball Jig with spot tail shiner or a Lindy Rig.

Road Work and Weekend Traffic

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says area road work is going to add to the pressure of additional traffic for the weekend fishing opener.  As a result, patience will be required.

The Sheriff says make sure the boat trailer has been serviced before taking it on the road.

Sheriff Dahl suggests the boat be serviced too.  Every year the water patrol assists boaters stranded on area lakes.

Brainerd Road Closure Monday

A portion of College Drive in Brainerd will be closed Monday May 14th.

Contractor Anderson Brothers Construction says a one block area from the intersection of Quince Street and South 5th Street to South 4th Street in the area of the Brainerd High School will be closed beginning at 9 a.m. Monday and continuing well into the evening hours.  Motorists will be rerouted around the construction zone.

The closure is necessary for the installation of an underground storm sewer system.

Fishing Opener Should Be Good

DNR officials say the walleye fishing opener this weekend should be good.

Fisheries and Wildlife Outreach Chief C.B. Bylander says the fish numbers are strong on Gull, Whitefish and North Long lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  That, combined with water temperatures about 18 days ahead of normal, should produce a good bite.

Bylander says every year there are some changes in the regulations, and recommends anglers turn to page four in the regulations booklet.  There are new laws dealing with the spread of invasive aquatic species. 

The water below the Gull Lake Dam will be restricted this weekend.  Otherwise, because of the early spawn, most other waters are open to angling. 

Bylander says anglers may have to fish a little deeper this opener, because of the record early ice-out.

Confidence Learning Center Brunch Sunday

Confidence Learning Center is presenting a Mother's Day Champagne Brunch on Sunday at Lost Lake Lodge of Nisswa. Event includes 6-courses, silent auction, and live classical music.

Director Bob Slaybaugh tells KLKS News, they are marking 45 years on Sylvan Lake this year.

Proceeds from the brunch will help fund Confidence Learning Center programs.

There will be two seatings Sunday, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  $35 adults, $25 seniors, and $15 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended.  Call  218-963-2681.

CLC Holds Vets Career Fair

A “Celebrate Veterans Career Exploration” event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 13 on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College.

Several thousand veterans are expected to return to Minnesota over the coming weeks.

All veterans and their families in the seven-county region are invited to attend the career exploration event.  It will provide an opportunity for them to explore career options while interacting with area businesses, service providers, and CLC instructors and staff. 

           The event includes a “Celebration of Veterans” program from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

           For information contact Kathy Marshik at the Veterans Resource Center at Central Lakes College, 218-855-8279.

Boat Decal Disposed

A new law passed recently repeals the previous 2011 requirement for the rules decal.

Watercraft owners are no longer required to place the silver and black decals, which includes a summary of the state's AIS laws, on their boats.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources began distributing the decals earlier this year and will continue to distribute them to interested boat owners for informational purposes only. Although the decal is no longer mandatory on boats, it is still provides helpful information about the AIS laws. Boaters who have decals can still place them on their boats, trailers, or other water-related equipment as a reminder.