Bismarck, ND
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has this issued a controversial press release with regard to the walleye fishery on Lake Sakakawea, Garrison Damn Project. Fisheries biologists have determined that the breeding stock for the walleye has been sorely depleted in the past four years due to overfishing - primarily do to the harvesting of the larger "breeding stock" fish.
The sudden and shocking plummet of walleye numbers in counts held this spring has led the NDGF to make an unprecedented decision to implement a slot limit for walleye fishing on Lake Sakakawea. The slot limit is a bold and decisive move meant to protect the walleye, our most precious game fish. For the next two years - walleye measuring 14" to 18" will be the only legal size walleye that may be landed and harvested - all other fish must be returned to the waters to ensure the propagation of the species.
The slot limit will be in effect for all tournaments held within the Garrison Dam project on Lake Sakakawea with the exception of catch and release tournaments. "People won't be happy about this, but we must protect our fishery" states Dawn Ritts, manager of Van Hook Resort located on the Van Hook Arm - one of Sakakawea's hottest fishing spots.
