MILLE LACS, Minn. — While it probably won't facilitate a neighborhood fish fry, anglers who frequent Mille Lacs Lake will soon be able to take home enough fish for a walleye dinner.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says starting Friday, Aug. 16, the walleye limit will increase to 2 on the prolific lake. Anglers will be able to catch and keep either two walleye between 18 and 20 inches, or one 18-20 and the other over 28 inches.
Originally, the DNR only planned to let anglers keep one walleye starting Friday.
DNR fisheries officials say population surveys suggest Mille Lacs currently has relatively high numbers of walleye in the 18-20 slot, a size that many prefer eating.
Since opening day of fishing on May 11, walleye fishing on Mille Lacs has been only catch-and-release after a 2023 walleye assessment found fish numbers trending lower. The DNR sets yearly regulations on Mille Lacs to keep the state's walleye take within limits agreed upon with tribal nations.