(KNSI) – Walleye fishermen will enjoy a continuous harvest season on Mille Lacs Lake this summer.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources made the announcement Thursday afternoon. Fisheries Section Manager Brad Parsons says, “We are pleased to see improvements in both the growth of adult walleye and survival of young walleye in Mille Lacs.” The live bait ban has also been lifted.
The season runs from May 13th to November 30th. Only walleye between 21 and 23 inches and greater than 28 inches can be harvested, similar to limits in place in recent years.
The DNR says another factor contributing to the decision was a lower ice fishing collection. Only 4,300 pounds of walleye were harvested because the walleye were easily able to find food to forage on below the surface, making lures less tempting. Warmer temperatures got the season off to a late start as well.
If you are looking for alternatives to walleye to catch, try northern pike or smallmouth bass. Pike under 30 inches long can be harvested when the season starts on May 13th. Smallmouth bass less than 17 inches can be taken home starting on May 27th.
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