DNR Sets New Walleye Regulations For Mille Lacs Lake
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released new walleye regulations that could have an impact on this year's fishing season for one of the state's most popular lakes.
The DNR announced that anglers on Mille Lacs Lake will be allowed to keep walleye that are less than 17 inches long. It's a slight change from last year's regulations, when anglers were allowed to keep walleye 18 inches long or less.
Dirk Peterson, the chief of fisheries with the DNR, said the move is similar to regulations for the year at several other Minnesota lakes. The regulations are intended to keep the walleye harvest among licensed anglers in what's termed a safe harvest.
Anglers are also allowed to keep one walleye that's 28 inches or longer among their four fish limit. The DNR is managing Mille Lacs Lake this year for a safe walleye harvest of 500,000 pounds. The state allocation is 357,500 pounds.
The walleye fishing season opener is set for Saturday, May 12.