The DNR says anglers fishing this winter season on Upper Red Lake will have a three-walleye bag limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed in possession.
This new regulation goes into effect on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Last year, the bag limit was four fish in an effort to reduce “surplus” spawning stock to a level that would relieve some of the pressure on the walleye population’s primary forage, yellow perch.
The fall fisheries assessment on the Red Lakes found the walleye population to be at a healthy, sustainable level with a wide range of sizes.
“We are actively managing for optimal spawning stock to maximize the likelihood of strong year classes, which bodes well for future fishing,” said Edie Evarts, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor with the DNR.
“Our fall survey indicated that the walleye population is healthy and there should be an abundance of harvestable fish just under 17 inches, and always an opportunity to catch a larger fish.”
