I’m not surprised the DNR has decided to make changes to the walleye limit on Saganaga and Seagull Lakes in the BWCA. There had been a few public meetings where many people voiced their opposition to the new rules which dropped the limit from 6 walleye down to 3 walleye in possession.  There is a new regulation saying the fish must be at least 17 inches long as well and these rules will be in place for 10 years.  Gull Lake and I’m assuming the Seagull River(even though we’re not considered part of Saganaga according to the USFS) is also included in this new regulation.

What does that mean for me? Not too much because I can’t remember the last time I caught even three walleye in the same day. If I do catch them then I usually throw them back anyway. It might affect those who want to have a meal or two of walleye but hopefully the new regulations will help the fishery.

Locals claim the DNR is responsible for the lowered walleye population from year’s past.  It’s rumored the DNR took way too much spawn from the walleye of Saganaga Lake for too many years. I don’t know how much they took and I do know they have been trying to stock the lake in years past but from what I hear only with walleye not big enough to survive all of the predators in the lake.  I also don’t know what the DNR plans to do as far as stocking in the future.  Only time will tell.

New walleye regulations on some lakes in the BWCA

By Josh Lee