Sweeping New Walleye Fishing Rules Proposed In Minnesota Spark Debate

Anglers who enjoy pursuing Minnesota's state fish might be seeing a notable change in the not-too-distant future.

The Minnesota DNR has its eyes on lowering the statewide daily walleye limit changing it from where it has been in the state for nearly 70 years.

While the agency argues it might be time for a change for the long-standing walleye limit, not everyone is in agreement.

What walleye limit changes are the Minnesota DNR proposing?

Twin Cities TV station FOX 9 reports that the DNR is considering a proposal that would reduce the statewide daily limit for walleyes from 6 to 4. They are considering making this rule change as soon as for the 2026 season.

While there are some lakes in Minnesota with lake-specific rules, the overall statewide bag limit for walleyes is currently 6 combined walleye and sauger, with not more than one walleye over 20 inches.

READ MORE: Do you know the differences between a walleye and sauger?

Some examples of lakes with different limits include Mille Lacs Lake with a current limit of two walleyes, Upper Red Lake with a possession limit of four walleyes, and some border waters.

Why does the Minnesota DNR want to make this change?

In an interview with FOX 9, Minnesota DNR Fisheries Section Manager Brad Parsons explains that a lot has changed in the nearly 70 years since the 6 walleye limit was instituted in 1956.

Parsons insists "There's not a walleye crisis by any means", but factors like invasive species and "more efficient anglers" have created new pressures on the walleye population in more recent years.

Zebra mussels, for example, have significant impacts on walleye populations. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the presence of zebra mussels in a lake can lead to slower growth of walleyes and other fish like yellow perch.

While the University of Minnesota says impacts can vary from lake to lake, zebra mussels can disrupt the lake's food web by filtering small aquatic life and altering water clarity - all of which have potentially negative consequences on fish populations.

With respect to the "more efficient anglers", the DNR didn't address this point more than the comment itself, but it is clearly in reference to modern sonar systems, fishing tackle, knowledge, and techniques that have been developed in the years since the 1950s.

What opponents are saying about the proposed change

Parsons commented in the FOX 9 story that they anticipate "very passionate feedback on both sides" of this proposed rule change. Some of that feedback against the proposed rule change has already surfaced.

The Star Tribune reports that at least three members of the Minnesota DNR's citizens advisory walleye group have made it clear they are in strong opposition to the proposal.

The argument of those in opposition is that they say "there is no scientific justification to make a change". They instead argue that lowering the daily walleye limit statewide will just "reduce opportunities for people who buy a fishing license".

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Along with opposition from this advisory group, the Star Tribune reports that resort owners have similarly expressed opposition to lowering the limit for walleyes in Minnesota.

Their biggest point is that while they don't often see their customers catching 6 walleyes in a day, the change would also impact possession limits, which changes the number of fish someone can bring home after a several-day fishing trip to 4 as well.

How does the rule change process work?

As FOX 9 explains, the Minnesota DNR has the authority to change limit rules without approval from the state legislature. There is, however, a process changes need to go through.

The walleye proposal has not yet gone through the rule revision process, which means it isn't guaranteed to happen at this time.

That process includes things like a public comment period, review, the possibility of a public hearing, and review by an administrative law judge before it can be enacted.