Protected slot has changed on Upper Red Lake

[Lee Borgersen]

Published December 10 2010
 
Protected slot has changed on Upper Red Lake
Walleye regulations on Upper Red Lake have reverted to a 17-to-26-inch protected slot. The regulation switch began Dec. 1 and will continue through the winter fishing season.



The daily and possession limit will remain at four fish, with only one fish more than 26 inches allowed.

The winter adjustment back to the 17-to 26-inch protected range is a necessary step for harvest management because winter angling pressure on Upper Red has been consistently higher than open water pressure, according to DNR officials. Walleye abundance remains high and good numbers of fish shorter than 17 inches are present for harvest.

Red Lake walleye regulations are not specifically listed in the Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet since they are subject to revision based on seasonal harvest estimates. This year is the second year of consistent open water and winter waleye harvest regulations as officials work toward regulation stability.