On Lake Mille Lacs, anglers pull in their lines as walleye season comes to early close

The sun set Monday on a long-cherished tradition on Lake Mille Lacs.

In an unprecedented move, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shut down walleye fishing on the lake in an effort to protect what it says is a record low walleye population. By 10 p.m. Monday, dozens of anglers pulled their lines in, punctuating the first time walleye fishing closed midseason on the lake.

“It’s pretty sad,” said Steve Sandness of Albertville, who watched his fluorescent bobber toss in the waves Monday evening. Sandness was among a group fishing from a Twin Pines Resort launch on Mille Lacs.

http://www.startribune.com/on-mille-lacs-walleye-season-is-over/320551002/