The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced today that a regulation change will allow anglers to cull bass measuring less than 18 inches at renowned smallmouth fishery Mille Lacs Lake. It's hoped that the change will attract national-level tournaments to the lake.
“This is one of the ways DNR is actively responding to the economic needs of the Mille Lacs Lake area,” said DNR commissioner Tom Landwehr. “The change has potential economic benefits and will not hurt bass populations.”
The no-cull rule was exclusive to Mille Lacs; anglers fishing other Minnesota lakes were allowed to cull. The rule change will allow anglers to sort smallmouth and largemouth bass before reaching their possession limit of six fish. The no-cull rule will remain in effect for all other fish species on Mille Lacs Lake.
“Fishing is a major draw for out-of-state visitors, generating $2.8 billion in retail sales and 43,000 Minnesota jobs,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “Eliminating one of the hurdles to attracting more national bass fishing tournaments gives the Mille Lacs area another tool to draw national attention and help improve its economy.”
Mille Lacs fishing regulations allow anglers to keep only one bass 18 inches or longer. The new rule would not allow anglers to replace a bass 18 inches or longer even if a larger fish is caught later during that same trip. In addition, anglers could not cull bass once they have caught their limit of six.
The new rule goes into effect in the next few weeks.
