Night Ban

[perchking]

What is the deal with you need to be off the lake at 10PM is that still correct? I am reading some posts and I am seeing that people are fishing after 10 am I mis-informed? I usually come up over Memorial Day weekend, but this year we are coming up a week early, 17th-23rd.

Cant wait.

[youngie22]

that is correct... no fishing that week after 10pm.

[rmrakt]

No one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. starting at 10 p.m. on May 14 and ending at 12:01 a.m. on June 11.

[perchking]

Why dont they start it at the the start of the season?

[rmrakt]

better tourism for the opener weekend I believe....?

[perchking]

I knew it had to be about money...

Never-the-less you MN guys/gals have an awesome fishery in Mille Lacs, keep it up...

[youngie22]

it's all about the money!!!

[Gus]

I told you I don't have any money

[Orlip]

17 dollars hows that!

[normy]

And a pair of choppers!

[CaptainMusky]

Quote:

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Why dont they start it at the the start of the season?

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Why is it that they close it at night for this time period? I have done a search and could not figure out why they do it. I know it has been this way for as long as I can remember and never really wondered why until now.

[Harmonica Bear]

I’m not exactly sure, so I hate to post incorrect information, but I believe the night ban is due to the vulnerability of the fish this time of year and the effect that would have on our yearly allotment quota. Without the night ban we could be down to a two fish limit and a 16-18 slot by mid-June or something to that affect. Somebody please correct me if I am way off base here.

HB

[Bluegill1510]

Bear you basically are right why there is a night ban. If there wasn't one people would be filling their boats with walleyes and depleating the lake,and basically the white man quota would be filled by late July if there was no night ban. Also like bear said there would be very strict slot limits and a limit of 2 like Red, if there was no ban, so in a way it is good that it is in place otherwise the pond would be a "dead" sea, besides the huge northern, muskie and "red eye's" (smallies). But who goes to Mille Lacs to fish for them when you got walleyes you can keep and eat!

[Schnauzer]

One thing to keep in mind... the night ban is a rule/tradition that dates back to the early 80's... long before white man had a quota on the lake.

However, the basic reasons already given are correct: The walleyes are vulnerable on Mille Lacs early season at night because they are concentrated on shallower reefs. So, a bazillion boats setting up on limited spots after dark would be tough to sustain. The early season night ban started long before the treaty became an issue but maintaining it has been part of the plan to keep the lake in balance.

[gizmoguy]

I like the night ban. It allows me to get some sleep. And if nobody else is out there either I don't feel so bad.

[brady_d]

The night ban makes one heck of a mess on the landings around 10 PM thats for sure. My buddy had some jerk cut in front of him and actually ran into his prop. Some people's time must be more valuable than others.