Minnesotaís muskie fishery ñ already considered among the best in the nation ñ could become even better under new regulations proposed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The regulations would raise the minimum size muskie that anglers could keep from 40 to 48 inches on 46 select lakes and several rivers. Signs will be posted this spring at each of the waters potentially affected by the proposed regulation. A series of public meetings will be held to take input this fall.

ìThis regulation is being proposed with the support of most muskie anglers,î said Al Stevens, DNR fisheries program consultant. ìIt reflects their catch-and-release philosophy and will help maintain and perhaps improve the quality of our muskie fisheries as more and more anglers target this magnificent trophy.î

Among lakes that would be affected by this regulation are Lake Bemidji, Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, Deer and Moose lakes (Itasca County) and East Rush and West Rush lakes (Chisago County). In addition, anglers would be required to release all muskie caught in the Mississippi River from the Blandin Dam in Grand Rapids, south to Coon Rapids.

Currently, there are 81 Minnesota lakes with fishable populations of muskie. Stevens said local DNR fisheries managers proposed the new regulation for lakes with the best potential to grow trophy muskie. These lakes are typically larger lakes with ample numbers of prey fish and relatively low numbers of northern pike. Many of these lakes are also prime walleye lakes, since the two species coexist very well.

ìBecause muskie characteristically occur in low densities, judging the success of this regulation will be difficult,î said Tim Goeman, DNR Northeast Region fisheries manager. ìOur sample sizes will always be smaller than we would like, but hopefully in a few years, we will begin to see positive results as anglers start catching even larger muskies.î

There are a number of muskie waters in Minnesota where anglers catch fish of 50 to 53 inches. With increased protection, the maximum size of muskie in some Minnesota waters could reach into the upper 50-inch size range.

The Minnesota state record for muskellunge is 54 inches and 56 pounds, caught in Lake Winnibigoshish in 1957.