DNR shuts down Lake Mille Lacs walleye season

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs will close today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.

In an announcement on its website Sunday, the DNR said it is closing the season because the Lake Mille Lacs walleye harvest has exceeded the state's yearly quota by more than 2,000 pounds. The season will remain shut down through Nov. 30.

"This action is necessary to conserve walleye populations in Mille Lacs Lake for the long term. Despite the walleye closure, Mille Lacs remains a world class fishing destination with some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country," DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said in a release. "Working together -- tribes, local businesses, local government and the state -- we will get through this difficult period."

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/3809960-dnr-shuts-down-lake-mille-lacs-walleye-season