Sam Cook: Rivers on the run, a photo sampler

On a trip up the North Shore earlier this week, Duluth News Tribune photographer Bob King and writer Sam Cook stopped to photograph several waterfalls at what must have been close to peak runoff. The rivers were thundering over their big drops, carrying lots of ice and debris with them. Click here to read Sam Cook's Outdoors blog.

Paul Nelson fishing column for March 19: Ice fishing season is nearing the end

The ice fishing season is on borrowed time, especially for anglers trying to use vehicles to access area lakes. Anglers will still be able to use ATVs to access most lakes for a little while longer, but the ice fishing season is going to be over soon, unless temperatures get considerably colder in the near future.

Klobuchar pushes U.S. Coast Guard for fishing guide rule change

President Barack Obama’s nominee to head the U.S. Coast Guard got a boatful of advice Thursday from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minn., on new regulations facing fishing guides.

DNR Conservation Officers' report: Deteriorating ice conditions, fish house removal etc.

District 1 - Baudette area CO Ben Huener (Roseau) prepared equipment for spring flood response. Anglers and fish houses were checked on Lake Bronson and Lake of the Woods. Reports of illegal deer baiting were investigated.

Swan takes off

A swan takes off from the Schoolcraft River Monday afternoon. With not much open water available, waterfowl share space on Bemidji area rivers. Pioneer Photo/Monte Draper

• Image

Blane Klemek column: Minnesota boasts nine species of woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are a group of birds perfectly adapted for what they do best.

Paul Nelson fishing column for March 12: Warm weather and rain create quick melt

Lakes in the Bemidji area did a considerable amount of melting this past week. Most lakes are wet and sloppy, with the accesses and other high traffic areas covered with water.

'Rods and Reels for Kids' program going strong in Bemidji area

Bemidji’s Take a Kid Fishing program will once again provide free rods and reels to youngsters who take part in the 2010 event, which is scheduled for June 9.

• Passion for fishing and kids

County helps reclaim wilderness through approval of DNR acquisition near Kabekona Lake

A “magical place” of pristine forestland south of Kabekona Lake, with an estimated value of $1 million, will be sold to the Minnesota Trust for Public Land for scientific research and aquatic management.

Chores bring thoughts of spring

It won’t be long and the “hoo-eek, hoo-eek” calls of hen wood ducks and the high-pitched whistles from drake “woodies” will be sounding from river-bottoms and wetlands everywhere. Conditions, I believe, should be favorable for this year’s annual return. Runoff from springtime snowmelt ought to fill low-flowing rivers and wetland basins with plenty of water.

Buena Vista Snowjourn: Skiers take the course for 30th annual races

From 7-year-old twin skiers Anna and Elise Carlson of Barnum, Minn., to the senior competitor Jan Niskanen, 75, of Bemidji, the mild March weather Saturday gave 75 skiers a good norning for the 30th annual Buena Vista Snowjourn.

• Skiers take part in Snowjourn
• Presents award

Bear comes out of hibernation

A black bear came out of hibernation early Friday to enjoy the warmth of sun. It crawled out of a culvert along the U.S. Highway 2 bypass. Officials remind motorists to leave the animal alone. It is illegal to park along the highway. Pioneer Photo/Monte Draper

• Image

Paul Nelson column for March 5: Focus turns to panfish as gamefish season ends

The gamefish season is over for the inland waters of Minnesota, but that does not mean the ice fishing season is over.

Kestrel displays great spirit, speed and swiftness

A few Aprils ago while standing in my backyard looking across the pond, I heard the high-pitched “ki-ki-ki” calls of a kestrel.

Paul Nelson fishing column for Feb. 26: Last chance to go after gamefish this weekend

The season closes for walleyes, northern pike and other gamefish species q5 midnight Sunday night. Anglers are allowed to fish for crappies, sunfish, perch and rough fish species like whitefish and eelpout continuously in Minnesota.