(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has relaxed the size limit for a walleye that can be kept on Mille Lacs Lake starting September 1st.
Anglers can keep one walleye 20-23 inches or longer than 26 inches. The original slot for fall fishing on the lake was one fish 21-23 inches or one longer than 28 inches. Walleye fishing will be allowed from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.
Right now, the lake is catch and release only for walleye.
The DNR says the catch rates on Mille Lacs were lower than expected over the summer and the population appears to be improving. That has led to relaxed restrictions.
According to the DNR, the number of walleye longer than 14 inches has been similar each year from 2020 to 2022. But an abundance of yellow perch has created more natural food for walleye, which has caused fewer fish to bite on anglers’ baits.
Walleye regulations for the winter season will be announced in November. Ice fishing season begins on December 1st.
Each year, the state and the eight Ojibwe bands, with fishing rights on Mille Lacs, set a safe harvest level. The total is split between the state and bands.
For more information on fishing for Walleye on Mille Lacs, click here.
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