The safe walleye harvest level for Lake Mille Lacs will be raised slightly this year, although the share allocated to non-Indian anglers will be slightly decreased.
The small changes aren't likely to affect bag limits or other regulations for the state's most popular walleye lake. Fishing regulations will be set later this month after the Department of Natural Resources meets with the Mille Lacs Fisheries Input Group.
'SAFE HARVEST' INCREASED: Members of the 1837 Treaty Fisheries Committee have recommended the safe harvest level for walleye at 544,000 pounds, up from 541,000 pounds in 2009. Non-band anglers would be allocated 411,500 pounds -- down 3,000 pounds from last year. Last year, the non-band harvest, including hooking mortality, was 141,000 pounds.
The Chippewa bands governed by the 1837 treaty will get 132,500 pounds for 2010, an increase of 6,000 pounds from 2009. Last year, the Chippewa were allocated 126,500, but harvested 101,220 pounds.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: The committee, consisting of representatives from the DNR as well as the eight Chippewa bands that have 1837 treaty fishing rights, also recommended the yellow perch harvest level at 270,000 pounds and the northern pike harvest level at 25,000 pounds, both the same as last year.
CURRENT RULES: Mille Lacs area businesses have sought stability in walleye angling regulations. Currently anglers can keep four walleyes up to 18 inches; all walleyes between 18 and 28 inches must be released. One walleye longer than 28 inches is allowed. The DNR said several strong year classes of walleye up to 18 inches should provide for better fishing in 2010.
DOUG SMITH
