The walleye quota on Lake Mille Lacs has been surpassed for 2016, but officials have decided not to close the catch-and-release season at this time.
The Department of Natural Resources says keeping the season open should have “minimal additional impact on the walleye population.” Governor Mark Dayton says “closing the fishing season on Mille Lacs would devastate area businesses and communities” and he says the state will “do everything possible to assure the long-term health and recovery of the Mille Lacs walleye fishery.”
Last year the walleye season was cut short on the lake after the catch quota was met earlier than expected.