New rules would also clarify the regulations for anglers on border waters
Minnesota anglers would be able to keep four walleyes instead of six in a proposal by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to update a statewide inland water walleye fishing regulation that’s been in place since 1956.
The rule change if approved, would go into effect March 1, 2027. The current regulation of only one walleye over 20 inches in possession would remain in place.
“The DNR is taking proactive steps to help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the excellent walleye fishing we have in Minnesota,” said Brad Parsons, fisheries section manager. “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 proposed rule would also clarify that, when fishing regulations for inland waters are different from rules listed in other parts of the fishing regulations, the rules in other parts of the regulations take precedence. Examples include border waters regulations, when waters are closed to taking fish, or waters with other restrictions on taking fish. This change would be applicable to all species.
The Minnesota DNR is inviting comments on the proposed rule changesl until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. People may submit comments by:
Email to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us. Please mention “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the email.
Phone to the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.
Mail to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
“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 said. “This proposal is informed by what fisheries research and sampling data point to about walleye in the future.”
More information about the proposal, including previous public input and factors the DNR considered, is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/fisheries/management/walleye-limit.html).
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