DNR tightens rules for Mille Lacs walleyes

The Department of Natural Resources has tightened size limits for walleyes on Mille Lacs Lake for the coming season.

Anglers can keep walleye less than 17 inches long, compared with 18 inches under last year's rules. As before, one walleye 28 inches or longer may be included in the four-fish limit. Any walleye between 17 and 28 inches must be released.

Mille Lacs is being managed for a walleye harvest of 500,000 pounds. The protected slot is meant to hold the take by sport anglers to 357,500 pounds. The tribal quota is 142,500 pounds.

The DNR says the new slot is similar to several other big walleye lakes

Minnesota's walleye season is set to open May 12, though a move afoot in the Legislature would open it a week early.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.)

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