Upper Red Lake’s Mid-season Slot Adjustment Remains for 2013

[Rick]

WASKISH, MN -Regulations that allow Upper Red Lake anglers to keep larger walleye after June 15 will be in effect again for the 2013 open water season, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

From the walleye fishing opener, May 11, through Friday, June 14, anglers must release all walleye 17-to 26-inches long. Effective Saturday, June 15, anglers may keep walleye up to 20 inches and must immediately release all walleye 20-to 26-inches long. During both time periods, anglers can possess no more than four fish and only one of those fish can be longer than 26 inches.

“This will be the fifth open water season with the same mid-season slot adjustment and anglers have become accustomed to it,” said Gary Barnard, the DNR’s Bemidji area fisheries supervisor. “Last winter was the first time we were able to extend the 20-to 26-inch protected slot through the winter ice fishing season, and we hope to be able to continue that as well.”

Total harvest from both winter and open water periods will determine regulations for next winter.

The more restrictive size limit remains necessary for the early open water season when angler catch rates are high and mature spawning walleye are extremely vulnerable. During the first month of the season, anglers must sort for smaller, keeper-sized males and immature walleye.

As the open water season progresses, catch rates and fishing pressure decline, reducing the impact of harvesting larger walleye.

“This regulation package, which has been very popular with anglers and local businesses, is effective at managing walleye harvest within established safe harvest levels,” Barnard said.

[bturck]

Thanks for the update Rick. It's great to see the rebound this lake has made and the continued quality fishing that it produces.