To protect spawning concentrations of walleye and allow them to disperse, the DNR has delayed the fishing opener in some areas. Be sure to check ahead.

Among the areas affected: parts of Cut Foot Sioux Lake near Lake Winnibigoshish and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake. The closed waters are from Williams Narrows east, and includes all of Little Cut Foot Sioux. It's the first time since 1997 that the lake was closed for the fishing opener.

Also, a portion of Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake in Lake County will be closed to fishing from May 10 to May 16, and will reopen on May 17. The portion of Pipestone Bay affected is south of a direct line from Kosulainen Point to Gary Island to Caribou Point and then south to Pipestone Falls.

And Pike Bay of Lake Vermilion in St. Louis County will also be closed to fishing from May 10 to 16. The portion of Pike Bay affected is from the Pike River Dam to a north-south line at the narrowest portion between Echo Point and Puncher Point. The closed area also includes East Two River and West Two River between Hwy. 169 and Pike Bay.

The Pike River from the Pike River Dam to Pike Bay just north of the Pike River Hatchery will remain closed through May 31.

DOUG SMITH