Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

Ask a conservation officer: Check the rules before you fish


Q: My children and I are just getting into ice fishing this year with the warm weather and good ice conditions.  Other than the general regulations found in the synopsis, are there any special walleye regulations in the Duluth area that we need to be aware of?


 A: Lakes with special regulations (those that differ from the statewide limits) can be found all over the state, and it is best to check in the Fishing Regulations Synopsis book or look on the Minnesota DNR website (dnr.state.mn.us) for the most current rules.

Two commonly fished bodies of water in the Duluth area with regulations differing from statewide limits are Fish Lake Reservoir and the St. Louis River.  On Fish Lake, the walleye limit is three, and all walleyes less than 13 inches and more than 17 inches in length must be immediately released, except one over 26 inches is allowed.  On the St Louis River, the walleye limit is two with a minimum size of 15 inches.

Different types of bodies of water mean different types of fish, and possibly different regulations, so it is always best to check the synopsis before you try fishing somewhere new.  Good luck!

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer