Michigan DNR seeking comments on walleye slot limit for seven Upper Peninsula lakes

Iron River, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to comment on proposed walleye regulation changes for several lakes located in the Upper Peninsula counties of Dickinson and Iron.

Fisheries biologists are proposing to implement a protected slot limit on seven lakes in those counties.

Lakes proposed for the change include Lake Antoine in Dickinson County and Lake Emily, Hagerman Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Ottawa, Stanley Lake, and Winslow Lake in Iron County.

A public meeting was held Feb. 10 at The Windsor Center in Iron River.

Under the proposed change anglers would not be able to possess any walleye measuring between 18 inches and 23 inches in their daily possession limit.

The daily possession would be three fish. Anglers could possess fish 15 inches to 18 inches and only one walleye 23 inches or greater.

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The DNR’s Management Plan for Walleye in Michigan’s Inland Waters was published in 2021 and provides a framework to guide walleye management efforts.

Using guidance from the management plan, the primary goals of the regulation proposal are to increase spawning stock and promote long-term resiliency of the species in more variable environmental conditions.

Regulation changes such as this one must be approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, after soliciting public feedback.

The proposal also will be shared at the spring Conversations and Coffee meetings and through citizens advisory groups. Dates and times for the Conversations and Coffee meetings will be announced in an upcoming news release.

Individuals may share their comments regarding this regulation proposal by completing the form available online. Comments shared in person and digitally will be considered.

The Department of Natural Resources says it is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management.

To learn more about how the DNR manages Michigan’s fisheries for current and future generations, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.