DNR accepting comments on lowering statewide walleye bag limit

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with plans to reduce the statewide walleye possession limit from six to four.

If approved, the move would mark the first update to the limit since 1956.

“The DNR is taking proactive steps to help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the excellent walleye fishing we have in Minnesota,” stated Brad Parsons, fisheries section manager, in a news release.

“Over the last 70 years that the current limit has been in place, many factors have changed, including climactic conditions, invasive species introductions and fish-finding technologies.”

The agency has thrown around the idea for years and has gathered public input through in-person and online surveys.

According to public input gathered between 2021 and 2023, around 67% supported a reduction in the walleye bag limit, 18% opposed and 15% were neutral.

The sample size represents 4,000 on-the-water interviews with anglers.

The four-fish limit would go into effect March 1, 2027. The current limit of only one walleye over 20 inches would remain in place.

“We have discussed this walleye limit proposal informally for a long time, including working with anglers and interested groups to see if this is something anglers would support. Now we’re going through the formal process to propose the change and gather input,” Parsons stated.

“This proposal is informed by what fisheries research and sampling data point to about walleye in the future.”

The formal comment period for the proposed rule change is open until March 5.