Comment period for walleye regulation upstream of Island Lake Reservoir

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) announces it is proposing a walleye fishing regulation change for sections of the Otter and Cloquet rivers, which flow into the Island Lake Reservoir. According to the DNR, the change would make the walleye regulation the same for the reservoir and adjacent river segments.

The DNR is seeking public feedback on the proposed regulation changes. A public information meeting will take place 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Rice Lake City Hall, 4107 W. Beyer Road, Rice Lake Township north of Duluth.

The proposed regulation for the Otter River from the mouth to the Boulder Lake dam, and the Cloquet River from the mouth to the rapids a half mile upstream, would require anglers to release all walleye 15 to 20 inches in length, according to the DNR. This is the same regulation as applies to Island Lake Reservoir.

Officials say the river segments concentrate spawning walleye from the reservoir in the spring and consistent regulations between these connected waters would be good for fish management and for enforcement.

Contact the Duluth Area Fisheries by email (duluth.fisheries@state.mn.us), phone (218-302-3264), or mail to Duluth Area Fisheries Office, 5351 North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN 55804.

Additional details about fishing in this area is available at the Duluth Area Fisheries page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Areas/Fisheries/Duluth).