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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
Posted

Less restrictive walleye regulations put in place on Upper Red Lake this past winter will continue when the 2016 open water season opens on Saturday, May 14, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The daily bag and possession limit will be three walleye, with one fish longer than 17 inches allowed.

“The new angling regulation and the abundance of 13- to 19-inch walleye in the population should combine for a great fishing opener on Upper Red Lake,” said Gary Barnard, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor with the DNR.

Walleye harvest on Upper Red Lake is managed on an annual basis by a harvest plan, which was updated before the most recent winter fishing season.

“We will be able to continue into the 2016 open water season with the less restrictive regulations because the new harvest plan allows more harvest when spawning size fish are in surplus,” Barnard said. “We have heard reports that the ‘one over’ regulation has been a popular change from the previous protected slot limits.”

Creel survey information suggests that the regulation is also meeting the DNR management objective of distributing the harvest over a broader size range and removing some of the surplus spawning-sized fish from the population.

Future harvest adjustments could include increasing the bag limit this summer.

“Safeguards are built into the current rule package in case spring harvest is excessive. But given a lower winter harvest, a June 15 adjustment to a four-fish bag limit is very likely,” Barnard said.

Total harvest for the 2015-16 winter season was about 113,000 pounds, which fell below the 140,000 pounds harvested during winter 2014-15, even though less restrictive harvest regulations were in place for the 2015-16 winter season.

One likely reason harvest declined was that fishing pressure shifted to later in the season due to poor early season ice conditions. Catch rates are typically lower later in the season. Still, this was the third highest winter harvest in the past 10 years since the walleye fishery reopened in 2006 after being closed in 1999 due to overharvest.

The DNR has not made a decision regarding the early season fishing closure on the Tamarac River. This decision will be made in late April when biologists are able to assess the status of the walleye spawning run. The DNR closes the spawning locations to fishing only where habitat is limited and fish are very concentrated in one location.

The DNR and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa developed a joint harvest plan that governs walleye harvest, and harvest restrictions are necessary to comply with the harvest plan agreement. Upper Red Lake fishing regulations are available on the DNR website.

Discuss below - to view set the hook here.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      🤣 not fer some of us!!!!!!!!!!
    • smurfy
      i couldnt find it.....but maybe???
    • leech~~
      Looks great! Thought we started a smoker thread?  🤔
    • leech~~
      Well, that's not getting 10 years old now is it!  🥱🥱
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters still in full swing offering both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite in February has been excellent, with lots of fish being caught and plenty of opportunities for fresh fish fries. Some ice roads are now extending over 20 miles out, keeping anglers on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best late-season ice years in recent memory. If you’re fishing on your own, bring an auger extension, as ice thickness is significant. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, expect to sort through some smaller fish, but that’s a good sign of a healthy fishery. With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of time to plan your trip. Pike fishing never closes, and with the thick ice conditions, this year is shaping up to be fantastic for targeting trophy pike. March: The Go-To Month for Trophy Pike March is prime time for big northern pike, as these aggressive predators begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Lake of the Woods is loaded with pike over 40 inches, and tip-up fishing can be lights out this time of year. Anglers targeting pike should set baits under tip-ups in shallow water (6-15 feet) near pre-spawn areas, weedy areas, river mouths, or back bays. Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even some crappies are in the mix. Suspended walleyes are showing up—watch electronics closely. Plenty of limits are being caught, with many anglers taking home bonus perch this season. Best Techniques: Jigging Line: Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head continue to be the top producer. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well for aggressive fish. Lures with built-in lights have been very effective in the stained water (Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure, not on a dropper line). Deadstick: A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, continues to catch neutral or less aggressive fish. Time of Day: Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best; other days, the afternoon bite turns on. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and watching electronics is key. On the Rainy River...  Mornings and evenings continue to be the best times for targeting walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head remains the go-to presentation. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some giants being iced (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release). Safety Note: Ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, but they can change rapidly due to current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains excellent throughout the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts are moving fish houses regularly, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Big crappies continue to be caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions. Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure! Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:  Fish houses allowed overnight through March 31st  Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th  Pike season never closes—March is prime time for trophies!  Perch and crappie seasons open year-round Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, or comfortable lodging at a resort with or without a meal plan, there’s still time to plan your late-season ice fishing adventure.    
    • smurfy
      Off da smoker!😉
    • smurfy
      At least he's got a shirt on! 😊🤣😜
    • leech~~
      Sounds like a nice last day.  I like how you photoshop a different shirt on that same picture the last few years!  🤣
    • JerkinLips
      Beautiful day on Vermilion Sunday for the last day of walleye season.  Lots of people were fishing in portables, or out in the open.  Was entertaining watching many of the wheel and skid houses being pulled off of the lake.  Checked half a dozen spots where wheel houses were removed and didn't find any trash at all.  Sounds like people are getting the message.  I may go out on the lake when the snow is melted to do a further check and cleanup if needed.   Fishing was average for this time of the year.  Had a decent bite from 2pm to 4pm when I caught my biggest eye (pictured 22 inch).  Decent finish to a good season.  Now on to lake trout fishing.   Hope everyone had an enjoyable and successful ice fishing season.  Going to be a long time before this year's open water season.  
    • smurfy
      Thanks Kettle! I'll bring mine with but won't be until  mid march
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