Walleye regs change Dec. 1 on Mille Lacs, Upper Red

Walleye regulations on two popular Minnesota lakes -- Mille Lacs and Upper Red -- change next week.

The walleye regs for Upper Red Lake will revert back to a 17- to 26-inch protected slot limit beginning Dec. 1, through the winter walleye season.

The daily and possession limit remains at four fish, with one over 26 inches allowed.

The DNR says the change 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. Walleye abundance remains high, with good numbers of fish shorter than 17 inches.

Red Lake walleye regulations are not specifically listed in the Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet because they are subject to revision based on seasonal harvest estimates. This year is the third year of consistent open water and winter harvest regulations.

At Mille Lacs, the walleye slot also changes Thursday. A mid-season change that allowed possession of walleyes up to 20 inches expires Nov. 30. Effective Dec. 1, all walleyes between 18 and 28 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 28 inches can be kept in the four-fish bag limit.

Fishing regs for other species on Mille Lacs are unchanged.