REGIONAL—The Department of Natural Resources is once again proposing reducing the state’s walleye bag limit from the current six, to four. Agency officials say it’s a response to the increasing pressure the state’s premier game fish is facing from changes in lake habitat, ecological systems, and invasive species. In addition, technological advances in recent years have given anglers a distinctive edge over the usually wily walleyes.
It’s not the first time the DNR has proposed the change. In fact, it’s been on the DNR’s wish list for some time even as the Legislature has repeatedly balked at the idea.
The DNR has the authority to implement the change on its own, but only after completing a rulemaking process that is likely to take more than a year to complete. If enacted through rulemaking, the change would not become effective until May 2027.
“We consider this a proactive step to maintain quality walleye fishing,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager. “This regulation (six walleye bag limit)has been in place since 1956, and conditions in Minnesota’s lakes have, and continue to, change. Our consideration of a walleye limit reduction is a wise management response to what’s happening.”
The change would have differing effects depending on the lake. While the six-walleye limit is the current default bag limit, eight of the ten top walleye lakes in the state, including Lake Vermilion and Lake Kabetogama, already have a four-walleye limit.
Taking part
People can view additional details and share their thoughts on the regulation being considered through Friday, Aug. 15, by visiting the DNR’s walleye web page (mndnr.gov/walleye) and completing the online questionnaire.
The DNR’s most-recent statewide angler survey results reported that 48 percent of respondents favored the change and 23 percent were opposed. Remaining respondents had no opinion.
Results of more than 4,000 on-the-water interviews with anglers about their catches  conducted from 2021-2023 showed 67 percent supported the change, 18 percent opposed and 15 percent were neutral.
DNR fisheries officials say anglers have become much more effective at catching fish due to technological advances in everything from fishing line to mobile ice fishing houses, and particularly because of GPS devices and incredibly sensitive fish finding electronics.
Peer-reviewed scientific studies continue to show that system changes related to climate and invasive species may be detrimental to walleye populations and more conducive to other species in northern temperate lakes like those in Minnesota.
All surrounding states and provinces — and Minnesota’s border waters with them — have walleye daily limits less than six.
“Simplifying our regulations also is a factor,” Parsons said. “This change would cause less confusion by providing regulation consistency across most of our lakes.”
More information about the proposed regulation change is available on the DNR’s walleye web page (mndnr.gov/walleye).