Several fishing regulations have been added or altered for 2008 and anglers need to be aware of the changes before heading out to fish Saturday, May 10, for the statewide walleye opener, said Ron Payer, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries section chief.
Additions or changes for 2008:
- 2008 fishing licenses, stamps and tags are valid through April 30, 2009.
- New non-resident license fees offering a wider choice of time periods and costs.
- New military licenses are available.
- Fees for fishing contest permits now apply when entry fees exceed $25, prizes exceed $25,000 or when fishing for extended periods of time.
- Muskellunge season ends Dec. 1.
- Limit of three northern pike, with only one exceeding 30 inches, for Canadian border and Basswood Lake.
- Night bow fishing allowed on selected water bodies from June 1 to Aug. 31.
2008 Mille Lacs Lake Regulations
- Walleye: Release immediately all walleye 18-28 inches. Possession limit is 4, with only one longer than 28 inches.
- Northern pike: Release immediately all from 24-36 inches. Possession limit is 3 with only one longer than 36 inches. No spearing.
- Smallmouth bass: Release immediately all fish shorter than 21 inches. Possession limit is one.
- Tullibee (Northern Cisco): Possession limit is 10.
- Muskellunge: Release immediately all shorter than 48 inches. Possession limit is one.
- Other species: Follow statewide regulations.
- No Culling.
- Night closure: No one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. starting at 10 p.m. May 12 and ending at 12:01 p.m. June 9.
2008 Upper Red Lake Regulations
- Walleye: Anglers now can keep three walleyes instead of the two allowed on last year’s opener. All walleye 17-26 inches must be immediately released. One fish longer than 26 inches may be kept.
- Boundary: Anglers should use a GPS unit to stay east of the longitudinal coordinate of 94° 43′ 12.0″ W to ensure they are fishing on state waters. Portions of Red Lake located within the Red Lake Indian Reservation are closed to non-band members except by special authorization of the tribal council.
Complete fishing regulations, including updates, seasonal closures and changes, are available at www.mndnr.gov/fishing.
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