Catch and Release Lakes?

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

What would be your take on having a couple lakes in the state being catch and release only? I fished one from shore in the UP of Michigan yesterday and it was down right amazing. It is what I would imagine walleye fishing in Canada is like.

Quote:

Learned of a lake in the UP that was catch and release only due to mercury levels. We could use a lake or two like this in Minnesota minus the mercury. Naturally reproduced populations with walleye and pike everywhere. Not to much size today, up to 20" for eyes but its a tough time of year for shore fishing big eyes. Thats right shore fishing and catching bunches of walleyes on a lake in the beginning of September. When I say the fish are everywhere I really mean they are. All I can say is amazing.

[aanderud]

Not a bad idea. Mississippi River Pool 2 is C&R for walleyes all year long and it seems to be doing really well. Not sure why they don't do that with a few lakes too. Obviously not the southern put and take muddy-bottom lakes that they have to stock -- they'd need to find one with reasonable natural production. Plenty of those up north.

[MnCatGuy]

I think its a good idea. Pool 2 is a great example of an awesome C&R walleye fishery. Also, Steiger Lake in Carver County has been catch and release only for LMB and pike for as long as I can remember and puts out nice fish because of it (although I haven't been over there for a few years).

[mainbutter]

There are a few C&R only areas for various species in MN, and I fully approve! We need more for sure. I'd be happy to have an equal number of C&R lakes as there are lakes where you can take a full limit.

[th64]

That would make the walleye a 'sport fish' Walter is not a sport fish (no surface strikes no hard runs and no jumps) The walleye is a swimming fillet. Just sayin'

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

I would call it a sportfish for the challenge. Anybody can through topwaters and crankbaits any day and catch "sportfish". Don't get me wrong, I love fishing pike but I change it up now and then for the challenge.

[OnAFly]

I wish they'd make a few CR only lakes for more than just the couple we have for bass. But, I think oud hear quite a few complaints about it.

[M1dwestF1sh]

Saying anybody can catch a bass by throwing a top water is like saying everybody can catch a walleye by dropping a lindy rig straight over the side of a boat...

[Kettle]

I know turtle lake in shoreview is C & R for bass only for a long time now and the population of decent size fish is there. I would like to see a lake like that for walleyes as well. To some it maybe a swimming filet or a boring fish to catch but if that is your take we are fortunate to have 10,000 other lakes in this state to fish. I see lakes like this a great way to get kids interested in fishing. My uncle lives on turtle lake in shoreview and when I was younger it was a riot catching 15"-18" bass all day on a leech and bobber.

Kettle

[Kyhl]

I'm all for it. Where can I sign up?

Especially the metro where the lakes or over pressured.

[ClownColor]

it would only work on lakes with no private lots...but i'd be fore it then. it would save 2.5 extra hours of driving north of the border.

[Raider4ever]

OH...MY...DEITY!! Could you imagine the absolute, Veruca Salt, full-on tantrums if they made one of the nicer lake in the NE part of the state a C&R lake for Walters? Anglers; resort owners; legislators sick of the phone calls, the list goes on. It would be Mille Lacs Spearing II. Personally, even if all lakes were C&R, I'd still fish the exact same amount of days. Love eating them, hate cleaning them. That's why the Maker made fish sticks, Talipia, smoked salmon, stores to buy these things in, etc. But, I will not deny anyone the right to clean and eat a legal possession of fish. So like I said, "personally" (as in it is my opinion only. Not me ramming my opinion down someone's throat).