Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002
For more information:  Jim Riis, 223-7700

WALLEYE REGULATION REMINDER

PIERRE - South Dakota anglers are reminded that the 15-inch minimum length limit for walleye on Lakes Sharpe, Francis Case and the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam downstream to the South Dakota/Nebraska border become effective again on Sept. 1. Additionally, the year-round regulation of one walleye of 18 inches or longer per angler per day remains in effect on these waters.

According to Reservoir Program Administrator Jim Riis, "Minimum length limits are removed during July and August on lakes Sharpe and Francis Case because these reservoirs traditionally get good, natural reproduction. Allowing some harvest of smaller walleye during a period of the year when fishing pressure is not as high helps reduce the number of small fish in the lake. 

"This helps keep the walleye population in balance with baitfish populations and ensures good walleye growth," Riis said. "Additionally, during this period of the year when water temperatures are warmer and walleyes are in deeper water, fish have a reduced chance of survival if released. Anglers can make the best decisions on the chances of a fish surviving if released under these water conditions. 

Lake Oahe has no changes, but anglers should remember that the 10-walleye daily limit is only applicable to Lake Oahe, not the other Missouri River waters.

"On Lake Oahe, anglers can keep four walleyes 15-inches or longer, and of those, no more than one may be 18-inches or longer. However, an additional six fish under 15- inches in length can be added to a Lake Oahe angler’s daily limit, for a daily total of 10. Anglers should note that all 10 walleyes of the Lake Oahe daily limit could be less than 15 

inches. The possession limit for Lake Oahe is 30, taken in accordance with the daily limit.

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