04-07-2005, 03:20 AM
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that new size and possession limits for walleye and sauger on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River went into effect, Dec. 1, 2004.
Beginning Dec. 1, Lake of the Woods anglers will be subject to an eight-fish aggregate limit, of which only four can be walleye. In addition, all walleye and sauger from 19.5 inches to 28 inches must be immediately released, and anglers can keep only one walleye or sauger over 28 inches. Winter anglers in the Rainy River will be subject to the same slot limitations; however, a six-fish aggregate limit will be in place on the river.
The changes are intended to protect the high-quality fishery for which Lake of the Woods has become famous, according to Mike Larson, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Baudette. DNR fisheries biologists manage Lake of the Woods with a maximum target harvest of 450,000 pounds of walleye, but estimate that the average harvest over the past five years has exceeded 600,000 pounds. The high harvests have been driven by some strong year classes and a steady increase in angler use of the lake and Rainy River. The sauger harvest has also exceeded what biologists believe is sustainable on a long-term basis.
“We are concerned that a harvest of that magnitude could negatively impact the size structure of the Lake of the Woods fish population,” said Henry Drewes, Northwest regional fisheries supervisor. “We need to keep more of the larger fish in the lake and river to maintain a healthy population into the future.”
The winter-season regulation changes are part of a special regulation package that was announced for the lake earlier this month. Other special regulations will take effect during the critical spawning period on the Rainy River (March 1 – April 14) and during the open water season.
Summary of Regulation Changes
Lake of the Woods (including Fourmile Bay) – Walleye opener through Nov. 30
- walleye/sauger aggregate limit will be six (not more than four walleye) - walleye and sauger between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released immediately - only one walleye over 28 inches may be possessed
Lake of the Woods (including Fourmile Bay) Dec. 1 through end of February
- walleye/sauger aggregate limit will be eight (not more than four walleye) - walleye and sauger between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released immediately - only one walleye over 28 inches may be possessed
Lake of the Woods (not including Fourmile Bay) March 1 through April 14
- walleye/sauger aggregate limit will be eight (not more than four walleye) - walleye and sauger between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released immediately - only one walleye over 28 inches may be possessed
Rainy River – Walleye opener through February
- walleye/sauger aggregate limit will be six (not more than four walleye) - walleye and sauger between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released immediately - only one walleye over 28 inches may be possessed
Rainy River (including Fourmile Bay) – March 1 through April 14
- walleye/sauger limit will be two - no walleye/sauger over 19.5 inches may be possessed
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