Slot limits will take effect on Lake Vermilion and a chain of lakes in the Ely area on the opener and beyond.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, on Lake Vermilion all walleyes from 17 to 26 inches long must be immediately released. One walleye longer than 26 inches will be allowed. The daily and possession limit will be reduced from six to four.
The chain of lakes near Ely with new walleye limits includes Farm Lake, Garden Lake, South Farm Lake, White Iron Lake and the North Branch of the Kawishiwi River from Farm Lake 4.8 miles east to the long portage. These lakes will have a 17- to 26-inch protected slot with one fish allowed over 26 inches. All walleyes 17 to 26 inches long must be immediately returned to the water. The daily and possession bag limit for walleye will remain at six fish.
Thanks WebDude, we do get up to some of those lakes. I fish Vermilion most years and many here fish it a lot. I hope this brings back the numbers of big walleyes, which I am sure it will.