DNR, Dayton reverse course: Mille Lacs catch-and-release walleye season to end Sept. 6

Reversing a controversial decision made just two weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday that catch-and-release walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs will close for the season on Sept. 6.

The surprise move came in response to dismay expressed by eight Ojibwe bands about Gov. Mark Dayton’s Aug. 9 announcement that he would allow the season to continue even after sport anglers surpassed a catch-and-release quota established with the bands. It was the first time a governor had interceded since Minnesota began co-managing Mille Lacs with Minnesota and Wisconsin Ojibwe bands nearly 20 years ago.

Resort owners welcomed the move, but the tribes denounced it in scathing terms.

http://www.startribune.com/dnr-dayton-reverse-course-mille-lacs-catch-and-release-walleye-season-to-end-sept-6/391104431/