Upper Red Lake Predicts Big Walleye Numbers, but Smaller Sized Catches

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) - Anglers will have to settle for smaller walleyes on Upper Red Lake this winter.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has adjusted slot limits on Upper Red Lake.

Starting Dec. 1, all walleyes from 17 to 26 inches long will have to be released.

The protected slot is currently 20 to 26 inches.

Anglers can still keep four walleyes from Upper Red Lake, and one may still be longer than 26 inches.

Gary Barnard, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor, says they're adjusting the slot because winter angling pressure has been consistently higher than open-water fishing pressure on the lake.

But he says Upper Red Lake holds good numbers of walleyes shorter than 17 inches, so anglers should still have good success.

The change will remain in place through the end of February.

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