Minnesota Considering Lowering Walleye Limit, Should ND Follow?

All summer long, I kept hearing that fishing for walleyes and perch on Devils Lake wasn't very good this year. Devils Lake is North Dakota's largest natural lake and is widely known across the country as one of the best walleye lakes in the country.

I've also heard similar reports from Sakakawea, the river in town, and even Lake Oahe. Is this just a coincidence, natural down cycles in population, or is there something to all of this in North Dakota?

If Walleye Populations are Struggling in our State, How Come?

According to an article on the Minnesota DNR's (Department of Natural Resources) website, they are seeking public input about the possibility of lowering the statewide walleye limit from 6 to 4 fish. This could go into effect as soon as the 2027 fishing season.

The reasons given for this possible reduction include that today's technology, such as forward-facing sonar like Garmin's LiveScope, which gives you a view of the fish below in real-time, is slanting the field too much in favour of anglers today. Fishing today with gadgets like LiveScope can give fishing a "video game simulator feel." You see a fish 30 feet out, and you can cast right at it. Oftentimes, you can see the lure fall in front of the fish and even if the fish takes the bait.

Other reasons given for the possible reduction are the explosion of ice fishermen and its popularity, and social media posts cluing in fishermen on where to catch fish, causing more pressure.

Could all Those Reasons be why North Dakota Walleye Fishing is suffering too?

It certainly sounds possible. A great deal has changed in fishing technology over the last 20 years. From boats to electronics and tackle, it's never been easier to catch fish. Anglers are also just smarter and have better equipment.

Should North Dakota Lower its Limit of 5 Walleyes per Day?

It kind of makes sense. A 4-fish limit certainly sounds reasonable to me to protect the resource and keep fishing world-class. It's a good place to start anyway. What do you think?