AITKIN, MN—Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, Vice Chair of the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announcement that there will be ice fishing on Mille Lacs Lake this winter with a 5,000 pound limit. The total harvest last winter was 3,100 pounds. Final details of the fishing season, which will begin on December 1, are expected following an October 21 meeting of the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee.
"This decision is a relief for hundreds of businesses around Mille Lacs," Lueck said. "Ice fishing is a key to bringing tourists to our area in the winter, and I'm grateful that this year's allowed harvest will be even higher which might help offset some of the decline in revenue due to the early close of the walleye harvest this year. Mille Lacs Lake will be open for business this winter; I encourage folks to make their ice fishing plans now so they can enjoy the great resorts, restaurants, and winter recreational activities our area has to offer."
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