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Jan. 13, 2025
DNR Rulemaking: Fishing Regulations for Inland Waters (walleye and sauger)
What is this rule about?
This rulemaking will amend the daily and possession limit for walleye and sauger to increase the sustainability of walleye and sauger populations into the future.
Why am I receiving this notification?
You are subscribed to receive notifications concerning fishing and/or walleye management from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Subscribing to this list means you will receive DNR rulemaking notices on all topics related to fishing and/or walleye management. See the links below this message to manage your subscription.
What will this rulemaking do?
The proposed expedited rule modifies three areas in "Fishing Regulations for Inland Waters."
- Clarifies that certain water bodies may be subject to boundary waters regulations that differ from the general inland fishing regulations.
- Reduces the inland waters daily and possession limit for walleye and sauger from six combined to four combined, with only one walleye over 20 inches in length allowed in possession.
- Clarifies that regulations for Lake Superior and Tributaries, Waters Closed to Taking Fish, Waters with Restrictions on Taking Fish, Designated Waters, or Boundary Waters Fishing Regulations take precedence over Fishing Regulations for Inland Waters.
Who might be affected by these rule changes?
- Individuals who fish for walleye and sauger in inland waters of Minnesota
- Businesses that provide services and products to walleye and sauger anglers
- Fishing and conservation groups concerned about daily and possession limits
- Individuals or groups with whom walleye and sauger may have cultural significance
Where do I send my comments?
You have until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday 3/05/2026 to submit comments to the DNR contact person listed below. You may request a hearing on these rules. If at least 50 persons submit a valid request for a hearing and a sufficient number do not withdraw their requests (reducing the number below 50), then a public hearing will be held before an administrative law judge. The Notice of Intent to Adopt Expedited Rules tells you how to submit a request for hearing to the DNR contact person.
Where can I get more information?
The following rulemaking documents are available on the DNR rulemaking webpage (https://mndnr.gov/rulemaking):
- Proposed rules (PDF)
- Notice of Intent to Adopt Expedited Rules
Additional background information for this rulemaking is available at Walleye limit reduction proposal | Minnesota DNR.
If you want a free copy of the proposed rules, call or email the DNR contact person listed below.
DNR contact person
John Dunn, Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Division
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 259-5235
[email protected]
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