New Rainy L. W/E Regulations

[Lee Borgersen]

 DNR considers changes to Rainy Lake walleye regulations
                             

(Released September 9, 2015)
 

Walleye fishing regulations on Rainy Lake will be the topic of a public meeting that will present several options to modify or maintain the current walleye regulations for the lake. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Rainy River Community College theater, 1501 US-71 in International Falls.

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The current regulation, which has been in effect since 2001, requires that all walleye from 17 to 28 inches must be immediately released. One walleye longer than 28 inches is allowed in a total possession limit of four walleye. The experimental regulation was originally put in place in 1994 to increase the walleye population through a 17- to 25-inch protected slot. Experimental regulations are routinely reviewed after a certain number of years.

The current regulation has worked well to replenish walleye in Rainy Lake. At the meeting, DNR fisheries staff will present background information and discuss the current status of the fishery. Four different management scenarios will be presented: continue the current 17 to 28 inch protected slot; return to the 17 to 25 inch protected slot; implement an 18 to 26 inch protected slot; or implement a 17 to 23 inch protected slot. Each of these options would retain the current daily and possession limit of four walleye. There will be time for questions and comments from the public.

Public input on the potential changes will help DNR fisheries staff determine which of the management options should be adopted. People unable to attend the public meeting may submit comments by telephone to 218-286-5220, by email to interfalls.fisheries@state.mn.us, or by mail to International Falls Area Fisheries, 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN  56649. Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

DNR staff will also be available to discuss and take comments on this proposal at an open house covering all fishing regulations under review around the state from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.