Three options on walleye regulations for lakes in the Namakan Reservoir were offered this week by local Department of Natural Resources Fisheries staff.
The options have been developed as the department and anglers review the existing regulations set to expire March 1 on Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Crane and Little Vermilion lakes.
The current experimental regulation for walleye, in place since 2007, requires the immediate release of all walleye from 17 to 28 inches. One walleye more than 28 inches is allowed in a possession limit of four walleye. The possession limit for walleye and sauger combined, is six.
Kevin Peterson, International Falls area fisheries supervisor, said options presented at a meeting held in Kabetogama earlier this week were as follows:
• Maintaining the current regulations now in place.
• Implement a protected slot of 18-26 inches.
• Implement a protected slot of 17-25 inches.
All three options include maintaining current bag limits.
Peterson said Tuesday’s meeting drew a diverse group of 33 people, including anglers, business owners and seasonal residents.
DNR staff shared information collected in annual assessments on the lakes and people attending asked a lot of good questions, said Peterson.
Comments about the regulations will be accepted until Oct. 8. After that, Peterson said input received at the meeting and via emails will be considered by DNR staff.
“We will take a look at all the input we received, formally on the comment sheet and informally in conversations with people, and sit back down with DNR folks and look at the biology and try to come up with what we think is the best fit, considering all the different factors that go into that decision,” he said.
Peterson said a recommendation will be made to his supervisor, who will consult with St. Paul staff and the DNR commissioner’s office. “And ultimately, the commissioner will decide,” said Peterson.
DNR staff want to have a regulation in place when the current regulations expire, Peterson said.
“Our goal is to have a decision and get that information out to the people by December,” he said. “That way as business owners are heading to sport shows, they can have the up-to-date information in hand and it allows us to get it into the Fishing Regulations Booklet.”
For those unable to attend
People unable to attend the public input meeting may submit written comments to the DNR Area Fisheries Office, 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649; by phone at 218-286-5220; or via email to kevin.peterson@state.mn.us. All comments must be received by Oct. 8.
