How Minnesota's Walleye Regulations May Change By 2027

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking to reduce the statewide walleye limit for 2027. The proposed change would be a reduction of 2 fish, going from 6 to 4 walleye, as well as keeping the current regulation of only one walleye over 20 inches in your possession in place.

Why Is This Change Being Proposed?

The Minnesota DNR on its website cites climate change, invasive species, and technological improvements to fishing as reasons to reduce the statewide walleye limit from 6 to 4.

According to the Minnesota DNR: "From 2021 to 2023, more than 4,000 on-the-water interviews with anglers about their catches showed that 67% supported a reduction in the walleye bag limit, 18% opposed it, and 15% were neutral."

Does Not Change Walleye Limits On Other Bodies Of Water

This change wouldn't affect the limits that are already set on lakes like Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods. The rule change would only affect lakes and bodies of water that don't have special limits.

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If this rule change is approved, it would go into effect on March 1, 2027.

Other Changes That Would Happen With This Change

The statewide walleye limit reduction would also clarify some fishing regulations, meaning when fishing regulations for inland waters are different from rules listed in other parts of the fishing regulations, the rules in other parts of the regulations take precedence.

Your Voice Can Be Heard, Public Comment Is Being Sought

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened up a public comment period for the proposed statewide walleye change. Here's how you can make your comments known.

Email to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us. Please mention “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the email.
Phone to the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.
Mail to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

The deadline for comments is March 5th at 4:30pm.

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