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Message: <blockquote data-quote="3Roosters" data-source="post: 119261" data-attributes="member: 1351">Interesting read. I imagine the tribe modified their harvest method until lake recovers and then start mass  netting/fishing again.;:;popcorn Man, it would suck to be a resort owner on that lake!<a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwODA5LjYyNDUxMDMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDgwOS42MjQ1MTAzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzMzNzg4JmVtYWlsaWQ9a3N0aXR0c3dvcnRoQG1ldHJvcGxhaW5zLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9a3N0aXR0c3dvcnRoQG1ldHJvcGxhaW5zLmNvbSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&100&&&http://www.mndnr.gov?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=" target="_blank"><img src="https://public.govdelivery.com/system/images/45185/original/news_blue_banner.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a>DNRNEWS – FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE                                                                 Aug. 9, 2016Anglerssurpass Mille Lacs Lake walleye quota, but season to remain openCatch-and-release has hadminimal impact on future spawning populationThe most recent Mille Lacs Lakewalleye harvest estimate indicates that anglers have surpassed the state’s 2016walleye quota. The state, however, will not close the catch-and-release walleyeseason at this time, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announcedtoday.According to DNR fisheries chiefDon Pereira, analysis of summer creel survey data has shown that thecatch-and-release-only regulations on Mille Lacs are successfully conservingthe lake’s future spawning population of walleye.“Based on the data we’ve seen sofar this year, keeping the season open will have minimal additional impact onthe walleye population,” Pereira said. “The primary goal of thecatch-and-release restriction is protecting young walleye, especially therobust 2013 year class. Current data show that only 1 percent of the 2013 fishhave been impacted by hooking mortality, which is remarkably low.”Conserving the 2013 year classof juvenile walleye until the fish reach spawning age is a critical componentof recovering the Mille Lacs walleye population.At the end of June,state-licensed angler harvest was estimated at only 6,950 pounds. But due toincreased angler activity, warm water temperatures and high catch rates, theestimated harvest increased rapidly in July, putting the most recent creelestimate at 37,922 pounds.Despite the catch-and-releaseseason, hooking mortality – an estimate of the number of fish that die afterbeing released – is measured to estimate total harvest. This year's walleye harvestallocation was established in January at 40,000 pounds – 28,600 forstate-licensed anglers and 11,400 for tribal fishing.In 2016, the bands with MilleLacs Lake treaty fishing rights modified their harvest methods to help conserveyoung walleye, and to date have not taken their entire allocation. The statealso adjusted walleye regulations by implementing the catch-and-releaserestriction for the open-water season.The DNR had not previouslymanaged Mille Lacs walleye with a season-long catch-and-release regulation.Fisheries researchers have been analyzing the 2016 creel data to betterunderstand the impact of conservative fishing regulations on the lake’s walleyepopulation.“Since the impact of catch-and-releasefishing on future spawners has been minimal, we are able to take socio-economicfactors into consideration as well when making resource management decisions,”Pereira said. “Keeping the season open prevents significant economic loss inthe Mille Lacs community. The DNR remains committed to managing the lake as aworld-class fishery for the benefit of all users.”DNR fisheries biologists willcontinue to monitor creel survey results and water temperatures on Mille Lacsthrough the remainder of the open-water season to ensure conservation of thelake’s future spawning population of walleye.In addition to analysis ofangler creel surveys, the DNR continues to invest in research to enhanceunderstanding and management of the lake’s fishery. Ongoing studies on MilleLacs include advanced research on hooking mortality and the addition oftemperature gauges at a wider range of locations and deeper depths than havebeen monitored in the past. The DNR will also facilitate new technical work andresearch focused on better understanding fundamental changes to the ecology andfood web of Mille Lacs, including the potential effects of invasive species.Long thought of primarily as awalleye lake, Mille Lacs has also become a premier location for northern pike,muskie and small mouth bass fishing. In September, the lake will host theBassmaster Elite Series “Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship” – aworld-class event that will bring the nation’s best bass anglers to Mille Lacs.Additional information aboutMille Lacs fisheries management can be found at <a href="http://www.mndnr.gov/millelacslake" target="_blank">www.mndnr.gov/millelacslake</a>. Thisyear’s fishing regulations are on the DNR website at <a href="http://www.mndnr.gov/fishmn" target="_blank">www.mndnr.gov/fishmn</a>.                                                                         -30-</blockquote>

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