ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota anglers could soon see the statewide walleye limit drop from six to four.
The Department of Natural Resources says the proposed change would help protect the state’s walleye population for future generations.
The current rule allowing only one walleye over 20 inches would stay in place.
Leaders say the update reflects changes in climate, invasive species, and fishing technology since the six-fish limit was set in 1956.
“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.”
The Minnesota DNR is inviting comments on the proposed rule changes 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.
More information about the proposal, including previous public input and factors the DNR considered, is available on the Minnesota DNR website.
If enacted during a 2026 rulemaking process, which is not currently formalized or proposed, the change would go into effect March 1, 2027.
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