The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for public comment on the possibility of reducing walleye limits in the state. They attribute this to changes in environmental and ecological conditions, combined with advancements in fishing methods. If the bag limit changes, the walleye possession would decrease from six to four fish.
Most coveted fish
Walleye, often called “eyes”, flourish in cool waters. They thrive in Minnesota’s larger lakes and also inhabit rivers and some smaller lakes. Anglers prize walleye more than any other fish in the state for their distinct coloring and flavorful fillets. According to state regulations, from 5/10/25 to 2/22/26, anglers may keep up to 6 fish they catch on inland waters.
Minnesota has enforced the current regulation since 1956. Since then, lake conditions continue to evolve. Peer-reviewed studies show that climate change and invasive species have altered walleye populations. In light of these changes, the MNDNR views the recommended reduction as a “wise management response to what’s happening”. As a result, they propose changing the walleye possession limit from six to four fish.
State Fisheries Chief Brad Parsons told The Minnesota Star Tribune (Tribune) that, “It’s been something we’ve been talking about for a long time,”. He went on to add, “I have heard opposition, and I’m more than willing to still hear from those folks. It will be an open and transparent process.”
The agency’s aim is to keep walleye fishing in the state sustainable for future generations.
Most in favor of reduction
Recent surveys show strong support for the reduction. In the latest DNR angler survey, 48% favored the change, while 23% opposed it, and the rest didn’t cite an opinion. Between 2021 and 2023, DNR staff conducted 4,000 interviews on the water. In that group, 67% supported the reduction, 18% opposed it, while 15% remained neutral.
A DNR citizens’ advisory group told the Tribune that they disagree with lowering the limit. They said no “scientific justification” supports the change. They also argued that the state would only limit opportunities for people seeking to buy a fishing license.
Still, modern fishing methods contribute to the increased strain on walleye populations. According to the state, anglers have become more effective at catching fish, especially when using GPS devices and fish-finding electronics. Ice fishing has also grown in popularity. In 2019, anglers spent more than 3 million hours fishing on popular lakes such as Lake of the Woods.
Social media has further increased interest in fishing. Anglers frequently post about where fish are biting, which can concentrate fishing pressure and lead to localized depletion.
Most of the state’s largest inland lakes already have reduced walleye limits. These lakes contribute about 40% of Minnesota’s annual walleye harvest. Resorts around lakes like Kabetogama, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Pepin, Rainy, and Vermilion report steady business despite the tighter limits, according to the MNDNR website.
Minnesota isn’t the only state with lower limits. All neighboring states and provinces set daily walleye limits at fewer than six fish. By aligning with those limits, Minnesota would simplify its regulations and create consistency across most of the state’s lakes.
The state is accepting public comments on the proposal through August 15. If officials approve the change, the new walleye limit would take effect in May 2027.
More info:
- Public input sought on reducing statewide walleye limit from six to four – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Walleye regulations change proposal – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- DNR says Minnesota’s longtime 6-walleye limit is headed for extinction – The Minnesota Star Tribune
- The decline of walleye populations: an ecological tipping point? – Facets