Walleye limit increased and other news

By the Minnesota DNR

Regulation change will increase walleye limit on Mille Lacs Lake

Effective Friday, Aug. 16, Mille Lacs walleye anglers can harvest up to two walleye through Saturday, Nov. 30. Both fish can be 18-20 inches in length, or one can be 18-20 inches and the other must be longer than 28 inches.

Population surveys suggest that Mille Lacs currently has relatively high numbers of walleye 18-20 inches in length. Expanding the possession limit to two fish and adjusting the harvestable size range allows anglers to catch and keep the “eaters” many prefer.

Complete Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations and regularly updated angler surveys that show ongoing state-licensed angler catches of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch on Mille Lacs are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/millelacslake).

Minnesota DNR webinars focus on tree stand safety, North Shore fishing

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the summer program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.

In a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 21, angling expert Jason Swingen will talk about fishing the North Shore of Lake Superior — including what’s needed to get started and tips for fishing for steelhead, pink salmon or coaster brook trout.

The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.

Fort Snelling State Park reopens after flooding

Fort Snelling State Park opened to the public on Friday, Aug. 9. The park was closed June 22 due to flooding on the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. The park’s regular hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) resumed on the reopening day. The ranger station and visitor center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Visitors are encouraged to check the alerts on the park’s website (mndnr.gov/fortsnelling) to learn what to expect at the park during their visit. The main park road and shoulders have been temporarily patched, and visitors should observe speed limits and proceed with caution. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available at the ranger station. The fishing pier, Picnic Island boat launch on the Minnesota River, and most hiking trails in the park will be open.

Some areas and facilities within the park will remain closed until flood damage is addressed and ongoing cleanup efforts are complete. Remaining closures include the restrooms and Picnic Shelter B on Picnic Island, hiking trails on the Minnesota River side of Pike Island, and the Caspersen boat launch on the Minnesota River near the Cedar Avenue bridge.

Naturalist programs resumed starting Aug. 9, including “After the Flood” walks to explore the aftermath of summer flooding with interpretive naturalist Kao Thao. A full listing of events is on the state parks events calendar (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar).

Visitors will need a state park vehicle permit to drive into the park. Vehicle permits can be purchased online or in person at the park during open ranger station hours. Find information on the state parks permit page (mndnr.gov/permit).

Located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers near the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, the park is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, birders and school groups. The area was established as a state park in 1961.

On August 16, 2024, Mill Lacs will increase its Walleye limit.