Keith Lusher 01.30.26
Minnesota anglers might quickly be fishing below a smaller walleye restrict as state officers transfer to replace a rule that has been in place for practically 70 years.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing to scale back the statewide every day walleye possession restrict on inland waters from six fish to 4. If authorised, the change would take impact March 1, 2027. The lengthy standing restriction permitting just one walleye over 20 inches would stay unchanged.
In accordance with the company, the proposal displays mounting stress on walleye populations tied to hotter water temperatures, the unfold of invasive species, and advances in fish discovering expertise that make finding fish simpler than ever earlier than.
“The DNR is taking proactive steps to assist guarantee future generations can proceed to benefit from the glorious walleye fishing we’ve got in Minnesota,” stated Brad Parsons, the company’s fisheries part supervisor. “Over the past 70 years that the present restrict has been in place, many elements have modified, together with weather conditions, invasive species introductions and fish discovering applied sciences.”
Whereas sonar and depth finders have been a part of fishing because the Nineteen Fifties, fashionable electronics have reshaped how anglers method the water. In the present day’s programs can scan far to the perimeters of a ship and even present fish shifting in actual time, permitting anglers to focus on particular fish and watch how they react to lures. Analysis suggests the expertise doesn’t mechanically enhance success for each angler, however it could considerably enhance effectivity for skilled or effectively outfitted customers.
Minnesota officers say that mixture of environmental stress and elevated fishing effectivity has prompted a better take a look at harvest ranges.
Surveys carried out by the Minnesota Division of Pure Sources counsel that many anglers assist a extra conservative walleye restrict if it helps shield the fishery over the long run.
Between 2021 and 2023, greater than 4,000 on-the-water interviews discovered that roughly two-thirds of anglers favored decreasing the every day restrict.
A separate statewide angler survey carried out in 2023 confirmed practically half of respondents supported the change, whereas an internet survey in 2025 discovered {that a} four-fish every day and possession restrict obtained the best approval amongst anglers, outpacing assist for the present six-fish restrict.
The proposed rule additionally consists of clarification language stating that when inland water rules battle with different fishing guidelines, equivalent to border water rules or particular closures, these different guidelines take priority. That clarification would apply to all species, not simply walleye.
The Minnesota Division of Pure Sources is accepting public feedback on the proposed walleye restrict change till 4:30 p.m. on March 5.
Anglers and events might submit feedback by cellphone at 651-259-5235, by e-mail at fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us (embrace “walleye restrict” within the topic line or physique of the message), or by mail to:
Fisheries Guidelines and Laws Coordinator
Minnesota Division of Pure Sources
500 Lafayette Highway
St. Paul, MN 55155
Whereas the proposal applies solely to Minnesota waters, it provides to a broader dialog occurring throughout the nation. As fishing stress grows and expertise continues to evolve, businesses are more and more weighing the best way to stability angler alternative with long run sustainability.
Extra details about the proposal and the best way to remark is on the market on the Minnesota DNR’s fisheries administration page.
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