Keith Lusher 01.30.26
Minnesota anglers may soon be fishing under a smaller walleye limit as state officials move to update a rule that has been in place for nearly 70 years.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing to reduce the statewide daily walleye possession limit on inland waters from six fish to four. If approved, the change would take effect March 1, 2027. The long standing restriction allowing only one walleye over 20 inches would remain unchanged.
According to the agency, the proposal reflects mounting pressure on walleye populations tied to warmer water temperatures, the spread of invasive species, and advances in fish finding technology that make locating fish easier than ever before.
“The DNR is taking proactive steps to help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the excellent walleye fishing we have in Minnesota,” said Brad Parsons, the agency’s fisheries section manager. “Over the last 70 years that the current limit has been in place, many factors have changed, including climatic conditions, invasive species introductions and fish finding technologies.”
While sonar and depth finders have been part of fishing since the 1950s, modern electronics have reshaped how anglers approach the water. Today’s systems can scan far to the sides of a boat and even show fish moving in real time, allowing anglers to target specific fish and watch how they react to lures. Research suggests the technology does not automatically improve success for every angler, but it can significantly increase efficiency for experienced or well equipped users.
Minnesota officials say that combination of environmental stress and increased fishing efficiency has prompted a closer look at harvest levels.
Surveys conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggest that many anglers support a more conservative walleye limit if it helps protect the fishery over the long term.
Between 2021 and 2023, more than 4,000 on-the-water interviews found that roughly two-thirds of anglers favored reducing the daily limit.
A separate statewide angler survey conducted in 2023 showed nearly half of respondents supported the change, while an online survey in 2025 found that a four-fish daily and possession limit received the highest approval among anglers, outpacing support for the current six-fish limit.
The proposed rule also includes clarification language stating that when inland water regulations conflict with other fishing rules, such as border water regulations or special closures, those other rules take precedence. That clarification would apply to all species, not just walleye.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments on the proposed walleye limit change until 4:30 p.m. on March 5.
Anglers and interested parties may submit comments by phone at 651-259-5235, by email at fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us (include “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the message), or by mail to:
Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
While the proposal applies only to Minnesota waters, it adds to a broader conversation happening across the country. As fishing pressure grows and technology continues to evolve, agencies are increasingly weighing how to balance angler opportunity with long term sustainability.
More information about the proposal and how to comment is available on the Minnesota DNR’s fisheries management page.
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