TikTok And Climate Change May Shrink Minnesota's Walleye Limit

MINNESOTA — Climate change and TikTok fishing trends may soon force Minnesota to shrink its walleye limit.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on a proposal to reduce the statewide possession limit from six to four fish, citing changing lake conditions and increasingly advanced angling methods. The change wouldn’t take effect until May 2027.

"We consider this a proactive step to maintain quality walleye fishing," said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager.

"This regulation has been in place since 1956, and conditions in Minnesota’s lakes have, and continue to, change. Our consideration of a walleye limit reduction is a wise management response to what’s happening."

People can view details and share their thoughts on the regulation being considered through Friday, Aug. 15, by visiting the DNR’s walleye webpage and completing the online questionnaire.

The DNR’s most recent statewide angler survey results reported that 48 percent of respondents favored the change and 23 percent were opposed. Remaining respondents had no opinion, according to the DNR.

Results of more than 4,000 on-the-water interviews with anglers about their catches conducted from 2021-2023 showed 67 percent supported the change, 18 percent opposed and 15 percent were neutral.

Factors the DNR said it considered in its decision to suggest the reduction include:

• Anglers are far more effective thanks to better gear, GPS, and high-end fish finders.
  
• Ice fishing has surged, with over 3 million hours logged on Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods in winter 2019.
• Social media quickly spreads bite reports, concentrating pressure on local walleye populations.
• Studies show climate change and invasive species are hurting walleye and favoring other fish.
• Eight of the state’s 10 largest lakes already have lower limits, with no reported hit to tourism.
• All neighboring states, provinces, and border waters have stricter daily walleye limits.

"Simplifying our regulations also is a factor," Parsons said. "This change would cause less confusion by providing regulation consistency across most of our lakes."