Some lakes ice free for fishing opener, Changes in fishing rules, correction

Some lakes ice free for fishing opener
Kabetogama Lake is expected to be ice-free for the Saturday walleye season opener.
Mike Williams, of Voyageurs National Park, said he hopes to get the buoys in Kabetogama today.
Crane Lake is also free of ice, according to Williams.
The deep Namakan and Rainy lakes are still socked in by ice and are not expected to clear of ice in the middle of the lake for the fishing opener, Williams said.
However, he noted, Black Bay on Rainy Lake is open and Williams expects it to be busy with anglers this weekend.

Changes in fishing rules, correction
A story on fishing in Thursday’s edition should have said: On Rainy Lake, eight walleye and sauger can be taken, no more than four can be walleye; walleye from 17-28 inches must be immediately released; only one walleye over 28 inches may be kept.
Several fishing regulations have been added or altered for 2008:
• 2008 fishing licenses, stamps and tags are valid through April 30, 2009.
• New non-resident license fees offering a wider choice of time periods and costs.
• New military licenses are available.
• Fees for fishing contest permits now apply when entry fees exceed $25, prizes exceed $25,000 or when fishing for extended periods of time.
• Muskellunge season ends Dec. 1.
• Limit of three northern pike, with only one exceeding 30 inches, for Canadian border and Basswood Lake.
• Night bow fishing allowed on selected water bodies from June 1 to Aug. 31.