(KNSI) — Starting today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is severely cutting back the daily and possession limit for yellow perch on Mille Lacs Lake.
The limit will be reduced from 20 to five and remain in place through November 30th.
The DNR says the adjustment is to “help maintain a good perch population for the future,” according to a news release. It will have a trickle down effect as yellow perch are a main food source for walleye, so authorities say the move will maintain an abundance of older fish, which will result in more young being produced this spring and preserve fishing opportunities for next year.
State-licensed anglers share the perch harvest on Mille Lacs with Ojibwe Tribes that retain fishing rights by treaty. Each party then sets fishing regulations to stay within their share of the harvest. As of February 23rd, the state has harvested 43,000 pounds of perch, exceeding its share by 6,500 pounds.
Brad Parsons, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries section manager says with annual perch harvest never more than 7,000 pounds since 2012, “this year’s rebound is a positive sign for the health of the lake. The state and our Tribal partners will intensify efforts to evaluate the Mille Lacs perch population and future sustainable harvest plans. The response we see in the perch population to this year’s higher harvest will be an important part of that.”
Complete Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations and regularly updated data on state-licensed angler catches of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch are available by clicking here.
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