MILLE LACS, Minn — The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a reminder Monday, that anglers can't keep walleyes from Lake Mille Lacs until mid-August.
Officials released the 2024 fishing regulations for Mille Lacs in March, stating that walleye fishing will be catch-and-release only during the spring and early summer.
The new rules go into effect May 11, opening day for walleye and northern pike fishing.
Anglers can begin keeping walleyes starting on Friday, August 16. They can keep one walleye that is 21-23 inches in length or one that is greater than 28 inches.
DNR fisheries officials designed the regulation to keep the state's walleye take within limits agreed upon with tribal nations, according to Monday's news release.
The DNR's 2023 Mille Lacs assessment found slightly lower walleye numbers in 2022.
"Despite some rather poor ice conditions, anglers caught a lot of walleye this past fall and winter because those fish weren't finding enough to eat," said Brad Parsons, DNR Fisheries Section Manager, in a March 13 news release. "We need to account for the active bite and for the likelihood of higher water temperatures this summer in setting the open water season regulations. Even with catch-and-release regulations, many fish die after being released when water temperatures get too warm."
Complete winter fishing regulations are available for Mille Lacs on the Minnesota DNR website.
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