Those “safe harvest” #s are gonna be the same as last year = total of 150,000 lbs can be “taken” from the lake. That # is split between state-licensed anglers and Tribal fishing…of course a chunk of that also goes towards the guesstimated hooking mortality (fish that are caught and released, but presumed to still die).
Far as the actual fishing regs will go:
> “Open-water walleye regulations will need to consider this winter’s harvest and the expected conditions during spring and summer. That work will occur during the next 6 weeks as winter walleye fishing comes to an end…. The DNR will announce open-water regs for Mille Lacs Lake in late March.”
My guess is best-case scenario ya might be able to keep one (from a tight slot window) in the spring…then maybe (hopefully) catch and release the rest of the year…or likely close down to walleye fishing (again) before the fall bite.
Honestly not too sure what to say on this anymore. I’m 100% for protecting our resources for future generations…but we’ve got a lake here that’s so jammed full of walleyes RIGHT NOW you can’t not catch ’em — of all sizes….
3. MN: Detroit Lakes area derby is a go!
The Poles ‘N Holes ice derby happenin’ Feb 8 on the north side of Little Detroit Lake. Believe they expect ’round 1,500-ish anglers and have one a heck of a prize-to-participant ratio (which is still a real made-up thing) with over $35K in prizes.
Also have the Ice Palace completed just down the street (free admission) that looks pretty dang cool for the fam:
4. PA folks no longer need to wear…
…fishing licenses on the outside of their clothes. Will now be able to keep it in your pocket like the rest of the world lol.
5. Northern MN resorts are hurtin’…
…’cuz of the nasty ice conditions from all the snow and slush. Some are even closing down. Sad stuff. Thx a ton, Mother Nature.
6. How crazy is this “Gill-O-Tine” contraption?!
Company called Rut-Fin has brought some technology over to the fishing world I’ve never seen before. They make a unit called the Gill-O-Tine that automatically jigs your bait — can be programed with an infinite number of cadences — some I don’t think you could possibly duplicate with your hands:
