Walleye are a popular and iconic game fish species in Minnesota. Walleye thrive in cooler waters, and while they are particularly well adapted to Minnesota’s largest lakes, they can also be found in river systems and many smaller lakes across the state. Unfortunately, walleye populations are facing challenges. Minnesota’s lakes are getting warmer and experiencing invasions of aquatic invasive species. Together these changes stress walleye, interrupt their life cycle, and favor other fish species. New fishing technology, such as forward-facing sonar, may also place additional harvest pressure on walleye populations into the future. Some nearby states have documented walleye population declines and have reduced walleye limits. Minnesota is exploring options to respond proactively to these concerns to ensure walleye populations are sustainable long into the future.
Since 1956, Minnesota’s inland walleye and sauger daily and possession limit has been six fish, with walleye and sauger counted together toward an “in aggregate” limit. With the environmental and technological changes described above occurring, walleye management has become more challenging. Therefore, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a reduction in the statewide limit. The DNR has surveyed a representative sample of anglers statewide and found greater support for a four-fish daily limit than the current limit of six.
The DNR is seeking input on a change from a six to a four-fish daily and possession limit, as well as other potential options. The rulemaking process, once it begins, will include a formal public comment period and is anticipated to take place later in 2025. In conjunction with that process, the DNR is using this questionnaire to solicit input on the proposed new regulation. This will help the DNR gain a better understanding of opportunities and concerns and explore implementation options.
This proposed rule change would not affect border waters or lakes with existing special regulations (such as Mille Lacs, Red, and Leech) that specify the walleye or sauger limit.
First, we would like to understand more about the respondents to this survey.
