St. Paul (trfnews.i234.me) — Minnesota anglers may soon face a smaller walleye limit. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is weighing a drop from six fish to four.
First statewide change since 1956
The DNR says the six-fish daily and possession rule dates to 1956. That was during President Dwight Eisenhower’s term. The agency says it is reviewing a statewide four-fish limit.
Why the DNR says it is acting now
DNR staff say fishing has changed fast. New tools can help anglers find fish more quickly. The agency points to GPS and advanced fish finders.
The DNR also points to lake changes. It says climate shifts and invasive species can hurt walleye in many waters.
Social media is another factor. The agency says posts can send anglers to “hot” bites fast. That can hit smaller areas hard.
Ice fishing is also growing. The DNR cites more than three million hours of winter fishing effort in 2019. That estimate covers Mille Lacs Lake and Lake of the Woods.
Survey results show mixed support
The DNR reports support in several surveys. A 2023 statewide angler survey found 48% favored a lower limit. It found 23% opposed it.
From 2021 through 2023, staff also did more than 4,000 on-the-water interviews. The DNR says 67% supported the change. It says 18% opposed it.
The DNR also reports a 2025 online survey. It says the four-fish option drew the highest approval. It lists 61% for four fish. It lists 31% for keeping six.
Many big lakes already use four fish
The DNR says most of the largest inland lakes already have lower limits. It says those lakes account for about 40% of Minnesota’s yearly walleye harvest.
The agency says Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish are exceptions. It says they still allow six fish.
The DNR also says resorts on several destination lakes did not report business losses. It listed Kabetogama, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Pepin, Rainy, and Vermilion.
Timeline and what anglers should watch
The DNR says a formal rulemaking process is not yet proposed. If the agency moves ahead, it says the earliest start would be in 2027.
A DNR news release said any change would not take effect until May 2027. A DNR background page also notes March 1, 2027, as a possible start. Minnesota’s license year starts on March 1.
Anglers can follow updates on the DNR’s walleye limit page and the state fishing regulations page.
Learn more: DNR walleye limit reduction proposal | DNR news release on the proposal | Minnesota fishing regulations
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.