Greetings from Moorhead,
The declining walleye population in Mille Lacs Lake has generated many headlines over the last couple of weeks and Governor Dayton has indicated he would like to call a Special Legislative Session later this month to approve a financial relief package for the resorts and businesses on the lake. The DNR does not know the exact cause of the population decline, but expects it is the result of a combination of issues such as water clarity, invasive species and population increases in other fish species that feed on young walleye, such as northern pike. A legislative work group convened last week to look at the issue and a number of solutions that could form a financial relief package. Some of these solutions include property tax abatements, interest-free loans and additional tourism promotion; all of which would require legislative approval. Although the lake is open to fishing other species, the walleye season has been closed until December 1 of this year. Another solution presented by the legislative work group was to reopen walleye fishing on the lake, on a catch and release basis, through the Labor Day weekend. The legislative work group is scheduled to meet again on August 13.
Thank You for the Opportunity to Serve,
Ben