Minnesota Proposes New Walleye Regs

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ST. PAUL, MN--Eleven Minnesota lakes could soon see new walleye regulations, as the state's Department of Natural Resources recently proposed slot limits on Pelican Lake in Crow Wing County, and Island, Round, Sand, Bowstring, Jessie, Deer/Battle/Pickerel, Swan, Trout, Moose and Splithand lakes in Itasca County. If accepted, each lake would have a 17- to 26-inch protected slot, with one walleye longer than 26 inches in possession. The DNR says the proposed regulation is part of its new "Fisheries Toolbox" that outlines possible regulations for each of the state's species. For walleyes, the DNR's toolbox options include one of the following three options: a three fish possession limit, a 17-inch minimum size and a 17- to 26-inch protected slot. Signs have been posted at access points on the affected lakes informing anglers of the proposals. The DNR will hold informational meetings in several area locations and in St. Paul in September to discuss the proposals and take additional input, followed by an additional 10-day comment period. Following the input process, the DNR will review the comments and decide whether to implement the proposed regulations. If implemented, the regulations would take effect in May, 2005. Comments on the Itasca County lakes can be sent to the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Area Fisheries Office at: 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, or emailed to [url "mailto:chris.kavanaugh@dnr.state.mn.us"][#0000ff]chris.kavanaugh@dnr.state.mn.us[/#0000ff][/url]. Comments on Pelican Lake in Crow Wing County can be sent to the Brainerd, Minnesota, Area Fisheries Office at: 1601 Minnesota Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401, or emailed to [url "mailto:tim.brastrup@dnr.state.mn.us"][#0000ff]tim.brastrup@dnr.state.mn.us[/#0000ff][/url]
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