Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004
For more information: Ron Meester, 345-3381

PROPOSALS TO MODIFY SD/MN BORDER WATER WALLEYE REGULATIONS

PIERRE – Recent Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposals would reduce the daily and possession limits for walleyes and panfish on Minnesota/South Dakota boundary waters and add a size restriction for walleye in an angler’s daily limit.

"Because of high angler catch rates and to add uniformity to the boundary water regulations with the rest of the state, the commission has proposed a four-fish daily limit for walleye on the South Dakota/Minnesota boundary waters," said Regional Fisheries Manager Ron Meester of Webster. He added that the daily limit for bluegill, sunfish or any combination thereof would be reduced from 30 to10-fish daily, and that the daily limit for crappie by itself would be reduced from 30 to 10.

"We are learning that high harvest of panfish can reduce panfish populations and quality," Meester noted. "Minnesota is moving towards this type of statewide regulation, and this change would allow our two states to have compatible regulations for the border waters." He added that the panfish regulations would also be similar with the northeastern South Dakota lakes.

The Game, Fish and Parks Commission also proposed a size restriction for walleye on these border waters. "Regulations with maximum size restrictions are well supported by anglers," Meester noted, "and this regulation would help provide protection for larger walleye and allow more anglers to have a chance at larger-sized fish."

Persons wishing to comment on the proposal may attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 4, at the Holiday Inn Express in Ft. Pierre. Written comments may be sent to Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501, or e-mail to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include the person’s full name and address.

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