Minnesota Mixed Bag: Blue Ribbon Bait’s open house set for March 28

Oakdale, Minn. — The 17th annual Blue Ribbon Bait and Tackle open house will be held on Saturday, Mar. 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the shop in Oakdale. This is the shop’s spring “super sale” with specials on tackle, rods, reels, and more.

There is no admission, food will be provided by Big Guys Roadhouse BBQ, and door prizes will be given away.

The event will be co-hosted by Josh Stevenson, owner of Blue Ribbon Bait and mighty Musky Guide Service, along with sales associate Bernie Krenner, who will be retiring after many years of service at the shop.

For more information, visit www.blueribbonbait.com or the Blue Ribbon Facebook page.

VISIT OUTDOOR NEWS AT THE BIG LITTLE HUNTING & FISHING EXPO & AUCTION ON SATURDAY

Hutchinson, Minn. — Outdoor News will be among a number of exhibitors at the 2026 Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo and Auction at the McLeod County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21. Show hours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please visit the show and swing by the Outdoor News booth to renew your subscription and get a free hat.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Talk of a two-bird limit for Minnesota’s spring turkey season taking place

Big event for Minnesota waterfowlers as Duck Summit is set for March 27-28

Expiration near for crossbow ‘sunset’ in Minnesota?

CLEAN DRAIN DRY EFFORTS BOOST AIS AWARENESS

Hutchinson, Minn. — New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that exposure to Clean Drain Dry messaging is linked to boaters taking action to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species at the access. The study, conducted by researchers in the UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication, found that boaters familiar with Clean Drain Dry and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! messaging were more likely to remove aquatic plants from boats and drain water from live wells, two key steps in stopping the spread of invasive species.

“Wildlife Forever has been leading Clean Drain Dry brand messaging for nearly two decades. This research is proof that consistent messaging through modern media and marketing drives behavior,” said Zach Burnside, Wildlife Forever conservation program manager.

Wildlife Forever partners with state and federal agencies, tribes, and local organizations to deliver turnkey Clean Drain Dry outreach campaigns that expand capacity and ensure consistent, science-based messaging. Wildlife Forever’s Clean Drain Dry Initiative provides ready-to-use materials, branding support, and strategic guidance to help partners effectively engage recreational users and protect local waters. Learn more at www.CleanDrainDry.org

WARMER WEATHER PROMPTS SEASONAL ROAD, TRAIL CLOSURES

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota DNR has begun temporarily closing some DNR-managed roads and motorized trails as seasonal melting makes them too soft to support vehicle traffic without causing damage. The duration of the temporary closures in state forests, state parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas depends on local weather and surface conditions, which can shift rapidly.

“These spring thaws create wet, unstable conditions. Closures protect our roads and trails from damage, avoid costly repairs, and keep people and equipment safe, too,” said Matt Huseby, DNR’s Forest Roads Program coordinator. “If you’re planning a visit to any state-managed lands, check the DNR website for updates, respect closures, and use good judgment wherever you travel.”

For information on road and trail closures, visit the DNR’s road and trail closure webpage at www.mndnr.gov/closures.

The DNR also posts signs at entry points and parking lots when temporary closures are in effect. Roads that can handle vehicle traffic during the spring thaw will remain open but might have vehicle weight restrictions.

N.D. SETS FISHING REGULATIONS FOR 2026

Bismarck, N.D. — North Dakota’s 2026-28 fishing proclamation is set, with regulations effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028. New fishing licenses are required April 1. Anglers can find the North Dakota 2026-28 Fishing Guide online at the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or at Game and Fish Department offices and license vendors throughout the state.

Noteworthy regulation changes include: Allows for the use of white sucker as legal live baitfish on the Missouri River System, Lake Audubon, Devils Lake and Stump Lake. Suckers remain legal in the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers; Allows for the harvest of chinook salmon with the re-initiation of a snag ging season. Also, allows for the harvest of salmon with archery and spearing equipment during the new snagging season; White bass daily and possession limits increased to 30 and 60, respectively.

The public can purchase 2026-27 fishing licenses online at the Game and Fish website.