ST. PAUL – The Minnesota DNR on Monday announced this summer’s walleye season will be catch-and-release on Mille Lacs Lake in an effort to protect the lake’s population of that fish. Below is a statement from Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, in response:
“Today’s news regarding Mille Lacs Lake strikes a balance between the need to allow Mother Nature additional breathing room to rejuvenate this world-class walleye fishery and necessary support for the local community, which depends on a lake open to fishing through the summer,” Lueck said. “There remains disagreement among experts as to whether the announced summer regulations should be more restrictive or that the catch-and-release approach is too conservative. While I am not an expert in this area, it appears that keeping the lake open for catch and release versus a more restrictive approach, risking shutting down the lake, is a reasonable compromise.”
Lueck indicated other protective measures will be in effect on Mille Lacs this year, including restricting walleye fishing to daylight hours. Mille Lacs also offers a broad range of excellent fishing opportunities for northern pike and bass also beginning on May 12, he said. On June 2, the muskellunge season opens across Minnesota, with Mille Lacs having a history of providing some of biggest muskellunge taken in the state.
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