Mille Lacs Lake Walleye Limit Increase for Remaining 2025 Season

Strategic Insights -

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced an increase in the walleye limit on Mille Lacs Lake for the remainder of the 2025 season. Beginning Saturday, August 23, and continuing through Sunday, November 30, the walleye limit will increase from two to three, with the size limit remaining in place. This decision allows anglers to take home an extra fish during the remainder of the season while still maintaining a healthy walleye population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The walleye limit on Mille Lacs Lake will increase from two to three fish beginning August 23, 2025, and ending November 30, 2025, allowing anglers to harvest an additional fish.
  • The size limit of 17 inches or longer remains in place, with only one fish longer than 20 inches allowed.
  • As of July 31, 2025, state-licensed anglers had harvested 23.5% of the state's allocated 113,600 pounds of walleye, with the remaining 76.5% still available.
  • The increased forage in the lake due to strong yellow perch and cisco hatches in 2024 has resulted in a slower walleye bite, with fewer anglers fishing the lake than in a typical year.
  • Despite the slower catch rates, anglers are reporting the catching of plump walleye, indicating a healthy sign for the lake's walleye population.
  • The Minnesota DNR website contains complete Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations and regularly updated surveys showing state-licensed angler catches of walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch.

Statistics:

  • 23.5% of the state's allocated 113,600 pounds of walleye have been harvested as of July 31, 2025, leaving 76.5% of the allocation still available.
  • The walleye limit on Mille Lacs Lake will be three fish from August 23 to November 30, 2025.
  • The size limit for walleye remains at 17 inches or longer, with only one fish longer than 20 inches allowed.

Sources:

  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)