The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced their walleye regulations for open water season on Upper Red Lake. The press release came out on April 20, 2021 and explains the changes to the regulations.

What are the new regulations?

Beginning with fishing opener, Upper Red Lake will have a three walleye bag limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed.

What has changed?

Last year the regulations were similar, but anglers were allowed to keep 4 walleyes, with one over the 17 inches. So the major change this year is one less fish.

Why did the DNR adjust the regulations?

The Red Lake Nation and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manage the walleye harvest on Red Lake as part of a joint harvest plan. That plan was revised in 2015 by the Red Lakes Fisheries Technical Committee. They have an advisory committee that reviews walleye harvest totals and provides recommendations.

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The walleye harvest on Upper Red Lake has been successful.

According to the numbers from officials, last winter was an excellent fishing season. 143,000 pounds of walleye were caught. The annual harvest is typically expected to be in the 120,000 to 240,000 pound range. These adjustments have been made in regulations to support that target harvest range.

The DNR reminds you to be sure you're measuring accurately.

Andy Thompson, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this advice:

Anglers need to remember to bring a good measuring device along with them on their trip to Upper Red Lake. Many walleye will measure just above, or just under, the 17-inch size restriction.

You can find all the fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource page. 

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