Harvest Quota Cut in Half

[leechlake]

another thing to add to other thoughts:

bad fishing equals less pressure from fisherman, less fish taken (either illegally, legally, hook/line, net). It happened to Leech Lake, six or so years on Opener you could park in any access and there were three rigs there. Normally they were packed and some had to park on the highway. Red Lake came back when no one could keep any walleyes. Now it's the best thing for any lakes near Red because they don't fish those lakes they go to Red, thus less pressure for Winnier, Cass, and all the other lakes in that area.

Unfortunately, it isn't a fix for next year or the year after but mark my words in 4-6 years Mille Lacs will be on fire.

[gregg52]

theres obvious a shortage of forasge big time

as rule those fish shouldnt be biting as much as they do this time of the year or all summer like they do

if thats because all the bigger fish are eating all the perch i dunno

as far as zebras in mile lacss ,gull and the other lakes around here i think its to soon to tell the consequences its only been a few years for most

but i guess erie is ok

[Hawg]

Red, Leech, and Mille Lacs all have one thing in common, and it ain't Z musscels or cormorants.

[thatoneguy]

Great fishing, right? Or were you going for the predictable racialist slam?

[Hawg]

Predictable or obvious?

[CaptainMusky]

Good point but there is a major flaw in this logic. The proximity to large numbers of potential fisher persons. Sure thousands may fish those other lakes over the course of a weekend but mille lacs is an hour from a million people versus bemidji being the largest city at what 20000?

Otherwise I think you may be right but it will likely take longer or get much worse before it gets better.

[Sandmannd]

I love how they say they have to do a study to see why the fish population is down. Does the DNR not see the piles of fish wasted from netting that we see in the news every dang year? Waste more money on meaningless studies.

[ASMOLEY]

If there is a forage problem why don't they impose a special reg to limit the perch or tullie harvest?

Although I think netting does have an influence, to what extent I don't know. The lake is managed for total harvest and unless you are blind the numbers speak for themselves. Allowing hook and line anglers to take more then tribal nets.

Netting during the spawn or a different time doesn't make a difference those fish are out of the population one time or another. You can blame every fish harvested on the pond for ruining the spawn with that logic.

Some of you act like all the walleye in lake spawn in one spot. Specifically the natives nets...

If you fish Mille Lacs (even C&R only) you are contributing to the problem as you are harvesting/killing those fish that could spawn!!!

[gregg52]

If there is a forage problem why don't they impose a special reg to limit the perch or tullie harvest?

Although I think netting does have an influence, to what extent I don't know. The lake is managed for total harvest and unless you are blind the numbers speak for themselves. Allowing hook and line anglers to take more then tribal nets.

Netting during the spawn or a different time doesn't make a difference those fish are out of the population one time or another. You can blame every fish harvested on the pond for ruining the spawn with that logic.

Some of you act like all the walleye in lake spawn in one spot. Specifically the natives nets...

If you fish Mille Lacs (even C&R only) you are contributing to the problem as you are harvesting/killing those fish that could spawn!!!

the difference is the nets get the fish before they can spawn

just in case you didnt know FISHING SEASON usally opens up

the 2nd or 3rd week in may

not a week after ice out

big difference there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gregg52]

I love how they say they have to do a study to see why the fish population is down. Does the DNR not see the piles of fish wasted from netting that we see in the news every dang year? Waste more money on meaningless studies.

exactly

as i've said

please dont spend money over there

[candiru]

From the Star Trib:

Difficult as it has been for Lake Mille Lacs walleye anglers to find a fish to fry, it might be doubly so this summer.

Worried about a declining walleye population in the state's premier fishing lake, state and Chippewa officials have cut in half the number of walleyes that can be taken from the lake starting in May.

The decision means regulations likely to be imposed by the Department of Natural Resources could keep anglers from going home with any walleye filets.

"It sounds horrible,'' said Eddy Lyback, who owns Mille Lacs marine and ice fishing businesses.

But DNR officials said the decline in the walleye population is so complex and involves so many variables -- including increases in smallmouth bass and northern pike, a zebra mussel invasion, a warming climate and the effects of fishing regulations and tribal fishing -- that they have few options.

"We want to be very cautious,'' said Tom Jones, DNR large lake specialist. "We are definitely in a spot we've never been before.''

The numbers tell the story:

• The combined walleye harvest for sport and tribal anglers is being sliced from 500,000 pounds in 2012 to 250,000 pounds this year. That's the lowest "safe harvest" quota since the state and Chippewa bands established them in 1997.

• Anglers' share will be 178,750 pounds, and band members will get 71,250 pounds -- both half the 2012 quotas.

• Last year, anglers harvested about 310,000 pounds of walleyes, which includes 136,000 pounds that died from hooking mortality but is included in the state's allotment. The bands took 80,000 pounds, nearly all by spring netting.

'A big mess'

The quota reduction for the state's share is the largest ever, and it's the first time the bands ever have reduced their quota.

"The people who will suffer the most will be businesses around the lake, like they always have,'' Lyback said. "It's a big mess the state has gotten this lake into, and they'd better figure out a way to straighten it out.''

The bands haven't determined how they'll respond to the lower quota, said Sue Erickson, public information officer for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which represents 11 Chippewa tribes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

"The tribes are very concerned for the long-term health and sustainability of the lake,'' she said. "The mortality has to be reduced from all sources.''

DNR officials said they expect the bands again will use gill nets in the spring, when walleyes are in shallow water spawning. The nets tend to target smaller male walleyes, whose population decline the DNR is particularly concerned about.

A disturbing trend

Based on DNR surveys, walleyes in the 200-square-mile lake have fallen to their lowest level in 40 years.

While DNR and tribal biologists still are assessing the situation, officials say the disturbing trend likely has been caused by a combination of factors, possibly including the unforeseen result of fishing regulations that directed anglers' harvest to the lake's smaller walleyes.

"We've had some of the best and brightest fisheries researchers [in the nation] look at this,'' said Don Pereira, DNR fisheries research manager. "Perhaps we should have been spreading the harvest out over a broader array of size and age range of walleyes.

''Did we do too good a job of protecting larger walleyes?''

Added Jones: "We're considering trying to reduce northern pike and bass densities by allowing more harvest.''

Currently, smallmouth bass less than 21 inches must be released, and the possession limit is one. Northerns between 27 and 40 inches must be released, and the possession is three, with one allowed over 40 inches. No spearing is allowed in the winter.

A hard time

DNR officials still are working on fishing regulations that will become effective in May and will meet next month with the Mille Lacs Lake Input Group, a consortium of resort owners, bait shops and other businesses.

Fishing has been good on the lake in recent months, but because of the shortage of small walleyes, anglers have had a hard time catching fish to keep.

Current regulations require walleyes from 17 to 28 inches to be released, with one fish over 28 inches allowed in the four-fish bag limit.

"It's been pretty much a catch-and-release fishery all winter,'' Lyback said.

A 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision affirmed off-reservation hunting and fishing rights held by the eight Chippewa bands and established the "co-management'' of Mille Lacs between the state and bands.

Staff writer Dennis Anderson contributed to this report.

http://www.startribune.com/local/188773431.html

[candiru]

Maybe a small harvest during May/early June and for ice fishing when fish are more releasable and no harvest or even a closed Walleye season during midsummer when hooking mortality is much higher.

Just an idea to throw into the discussion.

[gizmoguy]

When ever a void is created it usually gets filled. aka Red lake crappie. I see the smallmouth population looking to explode into the void.

[ASMOLEY]

the difference is the nets get the fish before they can spawn

just in case you didnt know FISHING SEASON usally opens up

the 2nd or 3rd week in may

not a week after ice out

big difference there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before, after, during the spawn those fish are being removed from the system! What if they are netted in the fall? What difference would it really make? Those same fish are being removed...

I am fully aware of the season dates for Walleye which some states don't have....

Mille Lacs is closed for night fishing early in the season as well. These regulations are in place to prevent overharvest of fish when they may be vulnerable during those time frames.

The lake is managed for total harvest. Perhaps, if they allowed night fishing or hook and line anglers to fish after ice out the harvest quota may be hit early in the year and the lake closed. Again this would still equal the same total harvest. Would you rather have 9 month season or 3 month season?

[candiru]

What about purchasing a limited number of "harvest tags" that are notched when a fish is kept, like a deer tag?

It seems like the harvest of some larger fish is going to need to be allowed along with protection of the smaller males to get things back into a better balance.

With a great majority of the states quota being taken just by the hooking mortality of the last year something will have to be done to curtail catch and release.

[Bandersnatch]

So basically HALF of the sport fishing numbers are made up of hooking mortality AND STILL the DNR refuses to make Mille Lac a Barb-less fishery.

Yup. That there is SCIENCE in action.

[amateurfishing]

at what age/size do walleye reproduce?

i am all for a limit of 2, maybe 1 above slot limit & 1 under it with slot limit being adusted slightly on the high end to 24/26 ish or whatever deems appropriate.

as a very novice angler i hear catch & release mortality, summer kill off mortality, etc. If there are natural mortality rates for the fish, maybe the DNR or powers that be consider lowering top of slot limit just a little and give an angler a better shot at at least 1 keeper (and a decent one at that) especially if it does not have a 100% chance of surviving anyway for whatever reason and let some of the 15/16inchers have a chance to grow to 25. otherwise if the % change of a guy catching a keeper is 10% or so are they not just better off shutting down the lake for all walleye action for a year or 2 even though there will be businesses that suffer? if they drop the top of the slot limit to 25 or 26 inches, at least they are throwing the angles a small bone (so to speak) and have a chance at a decent big one.

[ASMOLEY]

Barbs have a very little impact with mortality from the studies (SCIENCE) I've read. Time out of the water, depth caught, and water temp cause way more mortality then a barb.

[brian6715]

if they drop the top of the slot limit to 25 or 26 inches, at least they are throwing the angles a small bone (so to speak) and have a chance at a decent big one.

Eww, why would you want to keep a 26 inch walleye? It's far from a trophy; it isn't going to taste great, plus it's an old fish that has a good chance of being full of toxins. I strongly disagree with this logic. 25"-27" walleyes are not a good option for the frying pan, because after 1 year of that the population of them will be decimated and those size walleyes don't just repopulate in a couple years time.

[amateurfishing]

like i stated, im a novice & dont know much bout em

[Musky Buck]

If the bands nets target smaller walleyes then it only stands to reason they need more of em that size to reach the pound quota ? I'm sure the restaurants they sell to don't want 25" plus sized eyes to throw on peoples plates ?

[BrdHunter01]

Red, Leech, and Mille Lacs all have one thing in common, and it ain't Z musscels or cormorants.

+1 +1 +1 +1

^^^^^ I think your onto something here!!!!!!!!!!!

[BrdHunter01]

Before, after, during the spawn those fish are being removed from the system! What if they are netted in the fall? What difference would it really make? Those same fish are being removed...

Your right a fish taken is a fish taken. But be it just for one year.... Say they don't net this spring, How many more eggs will be laid/hatched? Its a one time shot but I would say Millions of eggs....

I think the bigger problem with netting during the spawn is the male walleye population. We have known for years the male walleye population has been dwindling. The males stay in and spawn MUCH longer than a female!

If you ask me, this is the start to the end of sport angling on Mille Lacs! Plenty of lots will be up for sale in the next few years! I have a pretty good hunch who will be buying this land up

[Bandersnatch]

Barbs have a very little impact with mortality from the studies (SCIENCE) I've read. Time out of the water, depth caught, and water temp cause way more mortality then a barb.

Effects of hook size and barbless hooks on hooking injury, catch per unit effort, and fish size in a mixed-species recreational fishery in the western Mediterranean Sea

Josep Alós1,2,

Miquel Palmer1,

Antoni Maria Grau3 and

Salud Deudero2

Correspondence to J. Alós: tel/fax: +34 971 610829; e-mail: [email protected].

Next Section

Abstract

"Alós, J., Palmer, M., Grau, A. M., and Deudero, S. 2008. Effects of hook size and barbless hooks on hooking injury, catch per unit effort, and fish size in a mixed-species recreational fishery in the western Mediterranean Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 899–905."The effects of hook size (small vs. large) and type (conventional vs. barbless) on hooking injury, catch per unit effort (cpue), and fish size in a mixed-species recreational fishery in the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) are evaluated. Hook size was the most important predictor of deep-hooking, which is reduced by the use of large hooks. The size of fish captured was another predictor of deep-hooking incidence, because large fish tended to be caught in deep-hooking locations. Deep-hooking was highly correlated with the presence of bleeding, and unhooking time was reduced by the use of large hooks and barbless hooks, although differences were small. To determine the effects of different hook treatments on cpue and species composition, a mixed-effect linear model was used as a univariate procedure, and redundancy analysis was used as a multivariate analysis. Results showed a drastic decrease in cpue with barbless hooks. In contrast, large hooks reduced the incidence of hooking injuries, with a small reduction in catch rate. Moreover, large hooks were associated with a larger mean size of fish caught than small hooks. Hence, control of hook size, along with other traditional management measures that involve the release of fish, is presented as a management option for sustainable development of recreational fisheries in the western Mediterranean Sea.

[Hawg]

BrdHunter-If you ask me, this is the start to the end of sport angling on Mille Lacs! Plenty of lots will be up for sale in the next few years! I have a pretty good hunch who will be buying this land up.

Your right BrdHunter, so many similarities to Leech and Red, it's just taking longer to ruin this one.

[ASMOLEY]

Quote:

• Last year, anglers harvested about 310,000 pounds of walleyes, which includes 136,000 pounds that died from hooking mortality but is included in the state's allotment. The bands took 80,000 pounds, nearly all by spring netting.

Yep the ya'll are right, the 80,000 pounds taken by spring netting sure has a larger impact than the 3X we took outside the spawn.

Quote:

Hence, control of hook size, along with other traditional management measures that involve the release of fish, is presented as a management option for sustainable development of recreational fisheries in the western Mediterranean Sea

Were not comparing apples to apples. Mediterranean Sea and Mille Lacs walleye are two totally different animals. Time out of the water, depth caught, and water temp still cause way more mortality then a barb.

I think reducing the harvest is the only direction you can take. How many years did it take Red to recover with a zero harvest?

[Bandersnatch]

If you Don't Get that the DNR is doing nothing about a larger fish kill on average than what the nets take, and that slot fishing simply Promotes a Catch Cripple and Release fishery, why then ya just don't.

When they close the lake altogether because hooking mortality is killing a larger number of fish than is actually kept (quite possibly this year) then maybe you will get your head out of the sand. As you recall Red was CLOSED as a Walleye fishery.

[brian6715]

So the big question is, what changed in the last few years? In 20+ years it constantly produced year after year after year (as long as I can remember, I am only 27). Why is it looking to be turning into the dead sea now?

[northender]

Before, after, during the spawn those fish are being removed from the system! What if they are netted in the fall? What difference would it really make? Those same fish are being removed...

I am fully aware of the season dates for Walleye which some states don't have....

Mille Lacs is closed for night fishing early in the season as well. These regulations are in place to prevent overharvest of fish when they may be vulnerable during those time frames.

The lake is managed for total harvest. Perhaps, if they allowed night fishing or hook and line anglers to fish after ice out the harvest quota may be hit early in the year and the lake closed. Again this would still equal the same total harvest. Would you rather have 9 month season or 3 month season?

[Willy]

It's the nets and the slot. Those 2 factors are almost 100% of the reason and everyone knows it.

Why do people think that netting doesn't hurt anything? Take a look at some of the fisheries in Wisconsin that have been netted for years. Most of them are junk or have such restrictive limits, they are mainly a catch and release fishery.

You can't target all the male fish in the lake for 20 years or whatever it has been and expect the numbers of them to stay up. The nets are sized to take all smaller fish, and so is the slot. Boy this is rocket science.