Walleye limits on Mille Lacs and Upper Red Lake won’t change for the winter season.
In news releases, the Department of Natural Resources cited healthy population trends as the reason for keeping things the same.
State-licensed anglers can keep two walleye 18-20 inches long or one walleye of the same length and one longer than 28 inches on Mille Lacs Lake.
“Mille Lacs’ walleye population is trending in a good direction for both adult and juvenile fish,” said Brad Parsons, the DNR fisheries section manager. “Juvenile perch and tullibee, important forage species for walleye, also are abundant.”
On Upper Red, the limit is four, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed.
“Our fall assessment placed us in a surplus condition, which allows us to set a more liberal target harvest,” Parsons said.
“The state waters of Upper Red Lake have a high number of spawning aged female walleye. We’re also seeing abundant numbers of young walleye, which bodes well for the future.”
Winter fishing regulations begin Dec. 1 and last until Feb. 23.
Harvests for both lakes are agreed upon by the state and local tribes. State-licensed anglers share the Mille Lacs harvest with Ojibwe tribes that retain treaty fishing rights, and management on Red Lake is a collaborative effort with Red Lake Nation.
-
And: Minnesota-based nonprofit says Big Tech fight reminiscent of Big Tobacco crackdown; and National Weather Service offering free weather spotter classes. -
Contributed/Bastian Riccardi via PexelsA Minnesota-based organization says concerned parents shouldn't settle for the status quo surrounding social media regulation. -
Kari Hedlund/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team puts a wrap on March music with songs from The Outfit, Courtney Barnett, Kelsey Lu, Cat Clyde, Son Little and a double whammy from Irreversible Entanglements. -
Contributed/Camp ChristopherCamp Christopher in Cotton offers free camping for those impacted by suicide or mental health issues. -
Events this week include a poetry and printmaking program at Arrowhead libraries, Bemidji Chorale concerts and a "Brain Train" event in Cohasset. -
Contributed/Shep's ApparelAshkan Thibodeaux, 5, rescued his younger brother from an icy creek but couldn't pull himself out. He was flown to a Twin Cities hospital, where he remains. -
Contributed/USFWS Midwest Region via FlickrThe fires will help reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities from wildfires. -
Contributed/Central Lakes CollegeHara Charlier accepted another position to be closer to family. An interim president will be appointed in May, and a national search for the next president will begin in the fall. -
And: Central Lakes College President Hara Charlier is leaving the school; and a new report is concerned with the DNR's plans for electronic licenses this spring.
-
Contributed/Seth Trobec via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook groupVolunteer Skywarn spotters help the agency deliver accurate and timely severe weather warnings. Training includes thunderstorm safety, the science of storms and cloud formation.
