Predicted Walleye Opener

[Highlander]

As a county employee, I spoke to one of the Head fish & wildlife(DNR)officials, and it was told to me that the walleye opener on URL will be in 6yrs. And unfortunetly there will be "enforced" slot limits, like the ones on Milacs. But there is still hope, a fish survey will be conducted and this will depend on how much of an increase there is on the eye. Which in turn, will determine weather or not they will impose the slot limit. So, keep on catching the slabbs, so there room for the eye's to grow.

I have many dealing with this DNR official and any of your ideas will be passed on

Good Fishin to All!!

[Guest]

Highlander--
A slot limit on URL or any other lake for that matter is a good idea as long as it does not limit the fisherman to the point of releasing everything he catches. My take on the slot is make it so a person can go home with a meal for his family. If you have to put back everything in a 15"-20" slot and can only have 1 over 26"{trophy} it is a little discouraging. If I want fishing like that I will travel to Canada's famous Lac Suel. It is great fishing but try to catch ANYTHING under the slot for a shore lunch! Almost impossible. Don't get me wrong... Catching and releasing 3lb.-5lb. fish all day is a blast but I do like to eat a few also! I know it's a touchy subject & I hope the DNR "does the right thing" but I hope you can see my point of veiw also.......

Later..... Dugan!!!

[Guest]

Highlander--
So with this conection you have with the DNR I would like for you to ask them a question that is of concern for every fisherman that fishes URL.

***Will the "Band" be able to harvest fish from URL & LRL after the ban on walleyes is lifted?

I'll await your "informed" answer to my question please.....

I personally feel this would be foolish to allow them to "net" the lake again after what we have witnessed there, URL & LRL in the past 10-20 years. If netting is allowed to take place we are only a matter of time away from the eventual collapse of the walleyes AGAIN!

"THEY SAID IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE AND JUST LOOK AT WHAT DID HAPPEN!!!"

Later..... Dugan!!!

[CodyDawg]

Jozie-Dugan-
Lac Seul's slot is no fish between 18 and 21 inches and it is not hard at all to catch one under 18. I have fished it 15 years and it is a slot that works. I would suggest a modification, no fish between 19 and 30. That way, you could keep the eaters and a trophy. I agree with you 100% on the question of whether the band will be able to net again. I am eagerly awaiting the response.

[Guest]

Cody Dawg-- I do realize the slot on Lac Seul is NO FISH between 18'-21" but I do beg to differ with you on the "availability" of fish below the slot! On the yearly trips I have made up there the past 3 years it was "nearly impossible" to catch a fish under the slot! We did catch our "shore lunch" fish but we caught MORE fish in & over the slot than below it. It averaged about 20-25 fish in /over the slot to 1 fish under the slot. I do agree that the slot works. When I said a "15"-20" slot I was just throwing out some numbers. Ask the guys on Mille Lacs if the slot works.... You can catch walleyes until they are coming out of your A$$ but you can't keep any for eating BECAUSE of the slot. There you are fishing for a fish 16"-20" to keep! To me that slot on Mille Lacs seem like trying to catch the "tagged fish" in a fishing contest. Then because they started getting too many(tagged fish) keepers the DNR "tightened the slot to 16'- 18"!!! Now you have to catch the tagged fish with 3 teeth missing! My last statement in the previous post says it all...."I know it's a touchy subject & I hope the DNR "does the right thing" but I hope you can see my point of veiw also....... & I don't want to get into a pissing contest over this...My opinion on the URL walleyes.... THE DNR WILL SCREW IT UP ALL BY THEMSELVES!!!!!! I'M OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later----- Dugan!!!

[emtbucket]

Yes!!! they can but not til the restocking program is complete. Then will be run kind of like the Mille Lac's band. One reason I thought it stunk to begin with. Your tax dollars at work. Get rid of the crappies let the native Americans start making money agian, they can barely make ends meet with all the casino's they have. here is a page off the DNR website, read it and weep.

Program Summary
As part of the agreement, the Technical Committee developed a Recovery Plan for Red Lakes Walleye Stocks. The plan includes a short term (recovery) phase and a long term (sustainable) phase.

Key components of the recovery phase include a lake-wide no kill/no possession rule on walleye, a short term stocking program intended to increase the speed of recovery and which will only be utilized when there are indications that a significant contribution will be made, and an inter-agency assessment program.

Key components of the sustainable phase include resumption of walleye harvest only when mature female biomass exceeds a predetermined density for three consecutive years. The preliminary estimate of this density is 1.5 pounds per surface acre, but this estimate will be modified based upon further analysis to ensure confidence that stocks have recovered before fishing resumes.

Once walleye harvest resumes, a jointly prepared quota on walleye will be developed each year based on an estimated safe exploitation rate, that in turn is adjusted according to indicators of population sustainability.

The agreement also includes an enforcement plan which calls for strict enforcement of all aspects of the recovery process. The Red Lake Band and Minnesota DNR are the lead agencies in determining and carrying out enforcement efforts relating to the recovery plan.

Although the principal agencies responsible for recovery of walleye stocks are the Red Lake Band and the Minnesota DNR, The BIA has committed a modest yet important amount of funding to assist the Red Lake Band with its share of the costs associated with the recovery effort. Input on the recovery plan was sought from a Citizens Advisory Committee, which included membership from local communities such as Bemidji, Blackduck, Waskish, Kelliher, Red Lake, and Lake Vermillion. Input was also sought from local State legislators.

[bassman222]

A slot limit on URL would be a great thing, the lake could become a world class fishery. I live a couple of miles away from Winnie and fish it quite a bit, after only a couple of years of the slot on the lake I already think that the fishing has definately improved. If you are not familiar, the current slot on Winnie is 17"-26" must be released, and only one may be kept over 26", I think that this would be a great slot for URL, you can keep the "keepers" and the spawners get released. Just my input on the situation.

Bassman

[hksbh]

I hate to say it but we have no control over the land and water or the fish on the red lake reservation they will do what they want

[Surface Tension]

Hksbh ,Thats right. I think walleyes might open up 2 or 3 years after netting begins. The DNR will do there studies to see what the lake can handle for a harvast. Whats left over from tribal netting is what the sportsmen get. Look for radical slot and bag limits.

[Surface Tension]

Forgot to add, great site.

[Guest]

It's too bad that the Red Lake Nation can't build a big resort casino on the shores of LRL and charge for permits to none native people to fish Lower. Would never have to get into a cold wet boat and pull nets again!

[hksbh]

I agree the carter fishing they would make a killing but I don't see them doing it they are to bull headed about there lake. I don't think they will net it like they did but who nows I don't think they do but the fishing for them will start the same time as use but after that time it is what they wan't to do. I beleive they will have stricter regulation than they had and they do have twice as many wardens as they had so with a little luck things will be enforced there not like the old days

[Surface Tension]

FYI there are two diffrant sets of rules. The tribes will set there own rules. The DNR rules are a reaction to what the tribe does. Now thats the way its going to be. Dont kid yourself and think netting wont contiue. It will as soon as the band see's fit.

[hksbh]

what I am saying is I don't believe netting will be what it was before with the commercal fishing and the illegal sale of fish privately by the members all the new wardens are in place already if they are not going to enforce all there new regulation why are they there and why did they hire so many new ones I hope they wouldn't do any netting but I'm shur they will but theres nothing we can do about it either can we

[Highlander]

The question that was raised about the Band resuming thier "c-netting" was brought up in our discussion. It was stated that the DNR is working "VERY CLOSLEY" with the Band, to educate them of what commercial fishing does to fresh water game fish and how devistating it is to the ecosystem of the lakes! And it was also mentioned that in 1999, the DNR stocked Red Lake(s) with 41.4 MILLION walley fry. I am sure you all are catching those CIGAR walleyes, those would be the stock from 1999. So, the question to ask yourself is who put up the money for that year of stock?? Not to hard to figure out, "Minnesota tax payers"!

[Insp Gadget]

Highlander et al-

Is the "taxpayers of Minnesota" the answer you got from your DNR contact?? I wrote to the DNR fisheries specialist about a year ago with all these questions that are pondered here. I don't beleive I still have the response and do not remember his name but he was a "big" lake specialist from Bemidji.

He explained that the Red Lake band was paying for the majority of the stocking effort. It included numbers (and these are from memory)to the effect that the cost of stocking was around $60k and the band was paying around $40k plus providing much of the labor.

He also stated that yes, the band would be allowed (only they control what happens on the reservation waters) to harvest there share in what ever manner (ie. netting) they would chose.

There is an article on this website's home page by the Big lake specialist and I beleive it was he who responded to my query. What he has to say makes sense. (walleye vs crappie)

I too have fished Lac Seul and have spent much time on Mille Lacs. The way the slot is managed on one vs the other is also sensable.

Think about the difference in acreage as it relates to fishing pressure. Mille Lacs has way more pressure and for much of my life we tried and tried to catch 'eyes and often called it the dead sea as everyone took what they wanted and the lake could barely keep up. I am 44 and have fished there since I was 6.

Today are the good old days! Only since the treaty case and the slots have I known people to go and catch dozens of fish each. The best memory of my life with my son was father's day 2000. He was 9 and he caught 7 walleys, one 26.5 incher. Not the most fish we've ever caught, but his first day to catch more than 2, and his bigggest ever. I think my smile was bigger than his.

We've had better days and bigger fish since, (one 29.5 incher each of the last 3 winters!)but for me, there was no better day than that fathers day.

I'm not smart enough to know what the best way to manage a lake for everyone is, therefore, I won't critisize the DNR until I can't catch a fish. (not just can't keep one)

It seems to me URL is like an ocean. One country taking Whales on one side, another country taking Whales on the other.

We critize the red lake band for there fishing practices just like we have the russian, japanese, and others for there whaling practices. Smarter heads prevailed, and we have whales to show our kids. I willing to wait and see, Have some faith that the band doesn't want another collapse of the lake, and will cooperate for the betterment of all.

I also know that at Mille Lacs, Non-band anglers have been caught with many limits (before and after the treaty and slots!), and I also know the same thing happened at URL for many years when the fishing was great. (I beleive it happens now with the crappies too!)

I'm not a band member, or for that matter even considered that liberal on most issues. I just know there are bad apples in any bunch!

You guy's all seem like good apples who just want to catch some fish. Hope we all do, and can when I have grandchildren to take to the big ponds!

My 2 cents.

Gadget

[NINETOE]

Insp.Gadget, hey long time no hear. No email address so Ill ask here how the restaraunt is comming? THEBIGSHOW wants a good steak real bad

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...GoodLuck.....

[Insp Gadget]

Ninetoes-

Restaurant opened Jan 16th! That's why nobody's seen or heard from me in a while.

E-mail is [email protected]

Things are going really well, Canyon Grille is packed on Fri and Sat nite already, lot's of great compliments, and the food is fab. I'll be a little self serving here if Rick allows.

We take reservations, (763-323-9100) are totally smoke free (sorry Russ, but have ash tray outside the front door!?!) and the wood grill does really nice thing to steaks and seafood.

Looking forward to getting loose as things smooth out and hopeing there's still ice on URL when that happens!

Say hi to the misses, hope the hat lites are paying off in the shack!

Gadget

[hksbh]

it looks like there maybe someone hear that maybe can fill me in on what the red lake band plans to do with the old sunset lodge or did they sell it I haven't followed up on that

[emtbucket]

I see a lot of talking of slot limits. I just can't wait to see the gill net that will only take slot fish, with only one over 26 in. Oh by the way, who going to go over there and check on these guys? Ins. gadget maybe you could take your boat over and check for us or take your vehicle, Oh!! thats right you can't go over there or you will be thrown in jail!!!!!! and they will keep your vehicles. Now tell us they will play fair. The only money you will see spent will be tax money to increase the DNR to watch US, not them. Maybe you would be intrested in buying meat for you restraunt from me, I will sell you the meat at a fair price only you can't weight it, You would have to take my word on the weight. How long would you buy it? Or for you golfers, You can pay to play on my 18 hole course but can only play 6 holes and I will score the rest for you, but I will score them fairly, Heck I'll even tell you how much fun you had playing them !!! Trust me!!

[kelly-p]

Highlander,
I'm curious about the info you have been able to get about URL. Send me a personal message as I would to talk to you.

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Waskish Minnow Station
218-647-8652

[Highlander]

Food for thought We all know that the "Band" devistated the walleyes on Red Lake. They harvested and sold the walleye to whomever they sold it to and made money. And then turned some of that money to help repopulate RL with walleye. So where's the profit in that??

Ya, they might be able to do what they want in the res, but when they leave the res they are to follow the states rules and regulations of the DNR and for that matter the laws enforced by MN. So, when they leave the res with all these fish, don't you think they've exceeded the daily possesion limit??

Did any of you hear of the plane that landed on LRL? From the info I have gathered the BAND confiscated the plane and put the passengers in jail. Does anoyone have any updates on what will or is going to happen to the plane and its passengers??

Kelly-P, what's your email address??

[kelly-p]

The last I heard about the plane was that the people were allowed to leave but the plane and the fishing equipment were still being held there.
For my address just hit my name as one of the moderators.

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Waskish Minnow Station
218-647-8652

[Insp Gadget]

Hey Kelly!

Nice to have time to check the forums again, but not much has changed. See that you still have your hands full.

Thanks for the URL stewardship, I'm hoping to get up in early March. Will look you up then.

Gadget

[Duluthian]

When it is said the money came from the Red Lake Band. More then likely it was from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, i.e. tax payer dollars.

[loadmaster]

Is it true that only half or so of URL can be fished by non-res residents and if so how do you know where the boundries are Thanks

[emtbucket]

More food for thought, Who is going to be there every time a truck leaves full of fish to check the weight? and to keep track? I sure hope they made more than $40k from all the fish they netted, otherwise it was a big waste of time and fish. Highlander, mabye with what you know or can find out you could answer these thoughts for me, thanks. A plane? Imagine that!! As far as bounderies, you would need a gps because they do not post it and it is hard to keep that painted line on the water. It is only 1/3 of URL not 1/2 if I remember right. This is just one man's opinion, you people can make up your own minds on this subject, enough said. Let's start talking fishing!!!!!

[swamptiger]

I just couldn't help myself, I had to put my two cents worth into this discussion. When talking about future management of the Red Lake fishery you have to keep in mind that the Red Lake band owns the majority of the waters in this fishery, not us, and they will do as they will. Only about 1/4 of these waters are publicly owned, the rest belongs to the Red Lake Band of Indians. Talk about slot limits, etc., is fruitless until they decide what they are going to do. I guess if I had the rights to throw a net in the lake and profit by it, I probably would too, wouldn't you?

[Highlander]

For those of you who would like more info. on URL here is an informational web site www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/
When you reach the page in the slot for Lake name/id: type in Red Lake, in the slot for county: type in Beltrami. When you reach the next page, click on the check mark for Lake Survey. This will give you a ton of info. of how the lake is progressing. It is said that the DNR will be conducting a lake survey this summer!! Can't wait for the results!!

[BLACKJACK]

Speaking of netting, when was the last time that you saw crappie fillets for sale at the local market? Probably never. No market, no netting. Or just enough netting for subsistence, which is what it should be.