By: News Intern Katherine Jones
ITASCA COUNTY- Anglers and those interested in fisheries management are invited to attend three public open-house meetings hosted by the Department of Natural Resources to provide input on fishing regulation changes proposed for lakes in Itasca County.
The first open-house meeting will be held next Wednesday from 6-8 PM at the Big Fork City Hall. The second open-house meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at the same time in the training room at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center in Grand Rapids.
The 17 to 26 inch protected slot limit walleye regulations are being reviewed on several lakes in the Grand Rapids area. In addition, the protected slot limit for smallmouth bass on Turtle Lake is also being reviewed. These regulations may be extended, modified, or dropped following public input in the fall of 2019.
The public comment period began in May and will end on November 9th. Comments will be reviewed and a decision on implementation will be made in December. If implemented, the regulations would become effective at the beginning of the 2020 fishing season.
