ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources may reduce the statewide walleye limit from six to four.
The agency says if the change occurs, it would go into effect May 2027.
Angler surveys from the last few years show the majority support the lower limit, the DNR said.
“We consider this a proactive step to maintain quality walleye fishing,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager, in a news release.
“This regulation has been in place since 1956, and conditions in Minnesota’s lakes have, and continue to, change. Our consideration of a walleye limit reduction is a wise management response to what’s happening.”
Simplifying regulations by making the limit more consistent across the state is also a factor, the DNR said. Anglers have also become more effective and ice fishing has grown more popular. Studies show climate change may hurt the walleye population, most of the state's big lakes already have a lower limit and every state and province around Minnesota has a lower limit.
An online questionnaire about the change is open through Aug. 15.
The DNR is also proposing new or updated special regulations for several lakes across the state, including walleye rules for Sand Lake (Itasca) and Rainy Lake (St. Louis/Koochiching) and sunfish rules for Platte Lake (Crow Wing) and Rabideau Lake (Beltrami).
An online survey on these proposed changes is open through Sept. 30.
Additionally, the agency is updating its bait restriction rules to match changes by the Legislature in 2021. The new rules will define aquatic species susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia as those that can survive in the Great Lakes region and can host VHS, according to the Fish Health Blue Book.
The new rules would also allow the DNR to establish VHS-free zones.
The agency said those who may be affected include people who obtain bait preservation permits and people who harvest bait for personal use as dead or frozen bait requiring disease-free certification and labeling.
Comments on the proposed rulemaking can be submitted until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8.
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