Lake Vermilion walleye regulation modified for 2012

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Lake Vermilion walleye regulation modified for 2012
(Released December 22, 2011)

Lake Vermilion, located in northeastern Minnesota near Tower and Cook, will have a new slot size for walleye regulations starting on May 12, 2012, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The revised regulation will be an 18- to 26-inch protected slot. The regulation will continue to allow one fish over 26 inches and includes a four-fish bag limit.

The current special regulation of a protected slot from 17- to 26-inches was enacted in 2006 in response to increased fishing pressure and walleye harvest. The current 17- to 26-inch regulation will continue through the winter ice fishing season.

The goals were to maintain walleye harvest at a sustainable level and enhance protection of the spawning stock. The original review period allowed changes in the fishery to be evaluated after a 10-year time period. Concerns within the angling community lead to an earlier review of the regulation. In the western part of the lake, the walleye population is dominated by large fish, with few keeper-size fish available to anglers due to poor reproduction in recent years.

Stakeholder input indicated anglers were catching few “keeper” walleye, which lead to consideration of a regulation that would allow harvest of some larger fish while still meeting the goals of the original regulation. After careful evaluation of a number of options, the DNR decided to slightly reduce the current slot size. DNR fisheries managers believe the 18- to 26-inch protected slot regulation will continue to provide a sustainable harvest while protecting spawning stock.

“This special regulation was changed only after careful consideration of the status of the fishery, an internal review process within the DNR, and public input,” said Edie Evarts, DNR area fisheries supervisor. “Public comment was considered from direct contact with the DNR Fisheries office and through a public meeting held in September,” she said. “Most of the comments were supportive of modifying the regulation.”

Signs describing the new regulation will be posted in the spring at the public accesses and resorts. Questions about the regulation change can be directed to Edie Evarts, area fisheries supervisor, 218-753-2580; or Duane Williams, large lake specialist, 218-753-2580.