Anglers can keep some walleye on Lake Mille Lacs this year, DNR says

(FOX 9) - After several seasons of catch-and-release walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs, anglers will be able to keep some fish this upcoming season.  

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday it will allow some walleye harvest when the open-water fishing season starts on Saturday, May 11. 

The DNR said, thanks to three years of conservative fishing regulations, the walleye population has improved enough to allow anglers to start keeping some fish.  

“While the walleye population is on a positive trajectory, we need to strike a careful balance between expanding harvest opportunities and conserving the fishery for future angling opportunities,” Brad Parsons, the DNR fisheries chief, said in a statement. 

The DNR will announce the walleye regulations for the upcoming season in mid-March.