What Size Walleye Can You Keep In Minnesota? Understanding Minnesota Walleye Regulations
The legal size of walleye you can keep in Minnesota varies greatly depending on the specific lake or river, dictated by the individual lake’s regulations. Generally, the statewide limit is six walleye, but size restrictions (length limits) change frequently to protect walleye populations and ensure sustainable fishing for generations.
Understanding Minnesota’s Walleye Fishing Regulations
Walleye fishing is deeply ingrained in Minnesota’s culture and economy. As a sought-after sport fish and delicious table fare, managing walleye populations is critical. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employs various strategies, including size limits, to achieve this goal. These regulations aim to protect spawning females, allow younger fish to reach maturity, and maintain a balanced ecosystem.
The Importance of Size Limits
Size limits on walleye fishing are crucial for several reasons:
- Protecting Spawning Females: Larger walleye are often mature females responsible for producing the bulk of a lake’s future walleye population. Protecting these fish ensures a healthy spawn each year.
- Promoting Sustainable Fishing: By allowing smaller walleye to grow, more fish reach maturity and have the opportunity to reproduce before being harvested.
- Maintaining a Balanced Ecosystem: Walleye play a vital role in the food web. Maintaining a healthy walleye population helps keep the entire lake ecosystem in balance.
Deciphering the DNR’s Regulations
The Minnesota DNR provides detailed fishing regulations through its annual fishing regulations booklet (available both online and in print) and its LakeFinder tool. Navigating these resources is essential to ensure you are following the rules and contributing to responsible fishing. Regulations often change from year to year, or even within a year, depending on the specific body of water.
Key Information Sources
The primary sources for walleye fishing regulations in Minnesota include:
- Minnesota Fishing Regulations Booklet: This booklet is published annually and contains a comprehensive overview of all fishing regulations, including size limits and possession limits for walleye. Always check the most current version.
- DNR LakeFinder: This online tool allows you to search for specific lakes and view their individual regulations, including any special size restrictions for walleye.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Regulations: The BWCAW has unique regulations. Pay close attention to these rules when fishing in the BWCAW.
- Posted Signs at Boat Launches: Local authorities and the DNR often post signs at boat launches with the most up-to-date regulations for that specific body of water.
How to Measure Your Catch
Accurately measuring your walleye is essential to ensure it meets the legal size requirements. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use a Ruler or Measuring Board: Use a rigid ruler or measuring board marked in inches and fractions of an inch.
- Measure from Tip of Snout to Tip of Tail: Lay the fish flat on the measuring device. Measure from the most forward projection of the snout to the end of the longest lobe of the tail, while pinching the tail fin closed.
- Round Down: If the measurement falls between two marks, always round down to the nearest inch. For example, a walleye measuring 14.9 inches is considered a 14-inch walleye.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many anglers inadvertently violate walleye fishing regulations due to common mistakes. Here are a few to avoid:
- Assuming Statewide Regulations Apply Everywhere: Remember that individual lake regulations often override statewide regulations. Always check the specific rules for the body of water you are fishing.
- Failing to Consult the Most Current Regulations: Regulations can change annually or even more frequently. Always check the most recent version of the fishing regulations booklet and LakeFinder.
- Inaccurate Measurement: Ensure you are using a proper measuring device and measuring the fish correctly. Rounding up instead of down can lead to a violation.
- Ignoring Boundary Waters Regulations: The BWCAW has unique regulations, including restrictions on bait and possession limits.
- Using Old Information: Relying on outdated information from friends, websites, or old fishing regulations booklets. Always consult the official DNR sources.
Contributing to Walleye Conservation
As anglers, we all have a role to play in protecting walleye populations. Here are some ways you can contribute to walleye conservation:
- Practice Catch and Release: Consider releasing larger walleye (especially females) to help maintain a healthy spawning population.
- Use Proper Handling Techniques: If you intend to release a walleye, handle it carefully to minimize stress and increase its chances of survival. Use wet hands, avoid touching the gills, and release the fish quickly.
- Report Violations: If you witness someone violating fishing regulations, report it to the DNR.
- Support Fisheries Management Efforts: Support organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable fisheries management.
- Educate Others: Share your knowledge of walleye fishing regulations and conservation with other anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If a lake has a protected slot, what does that mean?
A protected slot means that walleye within a specific size range (e.g., 17-26 inches) must be immediately released back into the water. This regulation is designed to protect mature females and ensure they continue to contribute to the walleye population.
What is a “trophy” walleye?
While there’s no official definition, a “trophy” walleye typically refers to a large, mature fish, often exceeding 28 inches in length. Many anglers choose to release these impressive fish to preserve the breeding stock.
Where can I find the LakeFinder tool?
The DNR’s LakeFinder tool can be accessed on the Minnesota DNR website. Simply search for “DNR LakeFinder” and you will be directed to the appropriate page.
Do I need a specific walleye stamp to fish for walleye?
No, Minnesota does not have a specific walleye stamp or endorsement required to fish for walleye. A valid Minnesota fishing license is all that is needed, assuming you are fishing in compliance with all other regulations.
What happens if I accidentally catch a walleye that is outside the legal size limit?
If you accidentally catch a walleye that is too small or too large according to the regulations for that specific lake, you must immediately release the fish back into the water unharmed. Handle the fish with care to minimize stress.
Are there any special regulations for walleye fishing in the spring?
Yes, some lakes may have special regulations in place during the spring spawning season to protect walleye. These regulations may include closures to fishing in certain areas or restrictions on fishing methods. Consult the fishing regulations booklet or LakeFinder for details.
What is a “bonus” walleye tag and where can I get one?
In some specific situations, usually related to research or population control, the DNR might offer a bonus walleye tag. This tag allows an angler to keep an additional walleye beyond the standard limit, typically from a lake where the walleye population is deemed excessively high. These tags are rare and the availability is highly localized and based on specific DNR programs. Check the DNR website or with local DNR offices to see if any such programs exist where you plan to fish.
How do I report a fishing violation?
You can report a fishing violation by calling the Minnesota DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 1-800-652-9093. You can also report violations online through the DNR website. Provide as much detail as possible about the violation, including the location, time, and description of the individuals involved.
Can I use live bait for walleye fishing in Minnesota?
Yes, in most areas. However, there are restrictions on live bait use in some areas, especially the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), where only artificial lures and certain types of bait are permitted. Always check the specific regulations for the area you are fishing.
What is the penalty for violating walleye fishing regulations?
The penalty for violating walleye fishing regulations can vary depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties may include fines, restitution, suspension of fishing privileges, and even imprisonment.
Does the DNR stock walleye in Minnesota lakes?
Yes, the Minnesota DNR regularly stocks walleye in many lakes throughout the state to supplement natural reproduction and enhance fishing opportunities.
How can I tell the difference between a walleye and sauger?
Distinguishing between walleye and sauger is important because regulations can differ. Key differences include: Walleye have a dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin, while sauger have distinct spots. Also, walleye typically lack the distinct saddle markings on their backs that sauger often display.