Minnesota anglers remember catch-and-release on Mille Lacs Lake

The Minnesota fishing opener is this weekend and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to remind anglers fishing on Mille Lacs Lake, that walleye fishing will be catch-and-release during the spring and summer. The DNR says anglers will have the opportunity to keep a walleye starting on Friday, August 16.

The Minnesota DNR designed the regulation to keep the state’s walleye take within the limit agreed upon with tribal nations. Come August, anglers will be able to keep one walleye that is 21-23 inches in length or that is greater than 28 inches.

Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations can be found on the Minnesota DNR website .

Remember to protect all Minnesota waters from aquatic invasiv species. Officials say clean and drain watercraft and equipment and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash. There is a decontamination station available on Mille Lacs Lake at the Shaw-Bosh-Kung Bay public access on the west side about 8 miles south of Garrison.

You can also visit the Minnesota DNR webpage to get answers to your other fishing questions. The Minnesota DNR provides answers to questions like:

• Do I need a license?
• What species can I fish for?
• What kind of bait is legal?
• What kind of fish can I keep?

The page is mobile-friendly so you can take the information with you on the lake.