News Release Mille Lacs Lake winter anglers allowed 1 walleye starting Dec. 1

(May 11, 2019 – April 14, 2020) The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5 through 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed. . The 17-26' protected slot limit for walleye on the following Itasca County lakes has changed to a 20-24' protected slot with only one over 24' allowed: Moose, Split Hand, Swan, and Trout lakes. Minnesota Waters Fishing Regulation Summary Walleye and Sauger Lake of the Woods (May 11, 2019 – April 14, 2020) The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5 through 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed. Rainy River and Four.

'Winter anglers on Mille Lacs Lake will enjoy a walleye harvest this winter for the fifth season in a row. Starting Tuesday, Dec. 1, anglers will be allowed to keep one walleye between 21-23 inches or one fish longer than 28 inches. This is the same regulation as the last two winter seasons.

Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye). Walleye and sauger between 19.5 – 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed. Lake of the Woods – December 1 through February 28th.

“It’s good news that anglers will be able to harvest walleye again this winter,” said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Conservative management continues to sustain good fishing on Mille Lacs.”

Mille Lacs was a popular ice fishing destination during the winter of 2019-2020, in part due to poor ice conditions on other large Minnesota lakes. Anglers put in a record of more than 3 million fishing hours on the lake last winter. In each of the previous three winters, anglers spent about 2 million hours fishing on Mille Lacs.

“We want to provide anglers the opportunity to catch and keep some fish when the walleye population can support it,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager. “As in recent winters, we’re confident that the walleye population is abundant enough to support some harvest.”

Winter regulations are set after the DNR completes its annual fall netting assessment. The DNR’s 2020 assessment found that the walleye population has remained relatively stable over the past four years, having rebounded from population lows seen from 2012 to 2016.

Harvest from the winter of 2020-21 will be counted toward the state’s annual share of walleye from Mille Lacs under the 1837 treaty. State anglers share harvest with eight Ojibwe tribes that have fishing rights under the treaty.

The state’s allowable harvest for the coming year will be set in early 2021 through discussions between the state and the tribes. The DNR will set open water fishing regulations in March 2021 following discussions with the tribes and the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee and after the conclusion of winter fishing.

Conservative fishing regulations in response to population lows have contributed to the recovery, allowing the DNR to offer anglers a harvest opportunity in recent winters and in May 2019 during the open water fishing season.

Insights from fall assessments
While encouraged by the rebound in walleye abundance, the DNR is taking a cautious approach to managing Mille Lacs’ walleye fishery. Survival of walleye to age 3 and older has been inconsistent in recent years.

The 2013 year class – that is, fish born in 2013 -- continues to be the most abundant class of fish. These fish are mainly 17-21 inches long, with faster growing individuals exceeding 21 inches. Year classes from 2009 to 2012 were weak, and had low numbers grow to adults, while those produced since 2013 have had more fish survive to adulthood.

The 2014 year class is below average compared with those from the last 15 years. The 2015 and 2016 year classes appear close to average, and the 2017 year class is well above average. Since 2008, only the 2013 and 2017 year classes have been above average.

“We are encouraged to see additional year classes that will be contributing to the fishery,” Parsons said. “Having multiple year classes approaching maturity makes us comfortable with continuing to harvest some of the 2013 year class under this winter’s regulation.”

The assessment also looks at food abundance and walleye health. Perch and tullibee are the primary food source for Mille Lacs’ walleye. Perch and tullibee from 0 to 2 years old were caught in moderate numbers.

Walleye condition, often referred to as plumpness, remained lower than recent averages. The relatively thin condition of fish suggest that forage was limited during parts of this year.

That lack of food contributed to the high catch rates in Mille Lacs early this summer. But that rate dropped in August and September, suggesting that the availability of forage improved later in the summer as fish hatched in 2020 grew and became a part of walleye diets.

“A lower catch rate in the late summer can sometimes carry over into the winter if forage is abundant,” Parsons said. “But predators also can reduce available forage later in the winter, possibly leading to an improved bite.”

Information about Mille Lacs Lake, including complete fishing regulations, is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.'

Come fish & explore one of Minnesota’s best walleye lakes — Kabetogama Lake is the largest lake in Voyageurs National Park with all American water. Here at Northern Lights Resort on Lake Kabetogama your best fishing memories can be made year after year. Our private bay and protected harbor are ideal for docking your boat. Our northern Minnesota resort is centrally located on Lake Kabetogama to launch your fishing adventure and visit Voyageurs National Park area attractions.

Always great fishing on Kabetogama Lake for

• Walleyes
• Northern Pike
• Small Mouth Bass
• Jumbo Perch & Crappie

Bring your own boat or ask us about renting one. Check out our fully equipped boat rentals to help safely navigate the extensive chain of lakes. Click Here for Boat Rentals Info

Explore over 65 miles of wilderness waterways and fish Voyageurs National Park chain of lakes.

“This particular area is about as close as what you will find to a fly in Canadian Shield fishing trip,” states Jason Mitchell Fishing Pro & TV Show Host, “but you can drive here and enjoy comfortable accommodations. The scenery is gorgeous and even the color and body condition of the fish we caught was incredible.” Jason enjoyed staying at our resort and says, “Thanks for the great hospitality. I would love to bring my entire family back here. It’s a great location for the kids with the sandy beach and floating water park. My wife will enjoy these cozy cabins with the fireplace and fully equipped kitchen. And I love the great walleye fishing on Kabetogama too!” The Kabetogama Peninsula has an abundance of interior lakes to hike into and fish. Reserve a boat ahead of time from the Kabetogama Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center, pack a lunch and have your private lake for the day!

Mn Walleye Slot Limit 2020 Irs

You don’t have to go far for great fishing. In fact, fish right off the dock!

The best dock fishing is in spring and fall, but our guests enjoy fishing off the dock all summer long too. We have several nice benches to kick-back and enjoy the sunset while luring in one more catch for the day. We have an extensive dock system located at our main Lodge and a boat slip comes free of charge with your cabin rental. Several of our cabins also have a “private dock” to enjoy the lake right out your cabin’s door. While staying at our Minnesota Family Vacation & Fishing Resortyou capture great fish & great memories too!

Lake Kabetogama Fishing Services Provided at Northern Lights Resort

• Premium gas, bait and ice offered for sale dock side
• Rental boats – ALL fully equipped for fishing with live wells, trolling motors & GPS/Fish finders
• Fishing Hot Spot Maps & Navigational information for safe boating
• Free tips on fishing spots and techniques
• Dock attendant on duty
• Take advantage of our fillet house to clean your fish. Our guests say we have the cleanest “fish cleaning room” they’ve ever seen!
• FREE FISH CLEANING! Yah, you betcha. We filet, wrap and deliver the fish to our guests! We remove all the bones, even those tough “Y” bones on Northern Pike.
• Local expert Guide Services are available with prior reservation. All guides are Coast Guard & CPR certified, and insured. Plan Ahead!

Kabetogama Fishing Contest sponsored by area businesses

Share your photos of the “big catch” and be entered into our local fishing contest to win bragging rights & great gear. Checkout this link for some great fishing photos from over the years!

What do I need to know to fish in Voyageurs National Park?

To fish in Voyageurs National Park, you only need a MN Fishing license. All Voyageurs National Park Lakes, including Kabetogama, are governed by the MN DNR. There are no fishing regulations specific to the National Park. To help aid healthy populations of fish, specific criteria for keeping the fish you catch have been established by the MN DNR.

Minnesota Fishing License Information

Family Friendly Fishing – here in Minnesota youth under the age of 16 fish for free under their parent’s license! Purchase your MN Fishing license online in advance or stop at one of the local Kabetogama establishments that sell them (within 3 miles from our resort). We recommend The Gateway General. There is a separate license for residents of Minnesota and “out of state” licenses. Be sure to scroll to the right section online. If you are a nonresident, you may want to consider other options:

• A 7 day license for a week of vacation fishing. If you are visiting only once you can save enough for a tank of gas!
• Spouse and Family License options and discounts for “out of state” guests too.

Lake Kabetogama Fishing Regulations

There is catching and then there is keeping. Here’s what you need to know before your “Fish Fry”!

• Sauger/Walleye: Possession limit of 6 combined (only 4 may be walleye).
• Walleye: All fish from 17-28″ must be immediately released. One trophy fish over 28″ is allowed in possession.
• Northern Pike: limit of 3 (not more than 1 trophy fish over 30″ in possession.

About the Fish in Lake Kabetogama

There are over 35 fish species in our lake, for information about our all our different fish – Click here for our DNR Lake overview of Kabetogama

Mn Walleye Slot Limit 2020 2021

Fishing tips & Video of fishing on Lake Kabetogama

Mn Walleye Slot Limit 2020 Ira

Checkout our Kabetogama Fishing Report for Voyageurs National Park

Mn Walleye Slot Limit 2020 Chart

The fishing report is updated each week! Come back frequently to learn the latest fishing patterns, water depths and tips on bait.