Late Winter Panfish Perch Fishing MN Lakes March 2026

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North Central Minnesota: Saved Ice Fishing Reports Section: February 2026 Archives

March 8, 2026 "The Role of a Fishing Guide" | Justin Chromy, Patriot Guide Service, Lake Vermilion

"An important part about being a fishing guide is understanding what your role is in the community. A guides role is to help promote tourism, help keep the tourists happy (putting them on fish,) and teaching how to protect and preserve the resource that we all need to run our businesses, and enjoy recreation in this beautiful area.

This bodes one to ask the question: How do we best promote tourism, keep the fishermen happy so they come back, and protect the resource that supports our way of life? The answer is not always as simple as it would seem. One thing as a guide that I get flack on is posting pictures of the guests who came and “caught their limit.”

As many around the lake have noticed, Lake Vermilion has ..." Read Full Story >> Justin Chromy, The Role of a Fishing Guide March 8, 2026

News Release March 5, 2026 "Today, Virtual Open House, DNR Consevation Officer Training"

"DNR seeking conservation officer applicants, hosting virtual open houses. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking applicants for its Conservation Officer Prep program, which provides a pathway for people without previous law enforcement experience to become conservation officers. The application period is open from March 2, 2026 to March 31, 2026.

The CO Prep hiring process is one of the ways the DNR creates a workforce that more closely resembles the diverse communities that conservation officers serve. As part of this process, the DNR’s Enforcement Division will hold two virtual open house sessions for applicants. During the sessions, applicants will attend a presentation on conservation officer careers and the hiring process

The open house sessions will be live streamed on the MN DNR Enforcement Division’s Facebook page at noon on both Thursday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 17. Each session will also include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

In accordance with Peace Officer Standard and Training Board licensing requirements, candidates for CO Prep must have at least a two-year degree but don’t need a law enforcement background. Individuals accepted for the CO Prep program will spend 22 weeks training at Hennepin Technical College (late November 2026 through late April 2027), 16 weeks training at the Conservation Officer Academy at Camp Ripley (May through late August 2027), and then about four months training in the field with experienced conservation officers (late August through mid-December 2027).

Additional information, including a link to the application, is on the Conservation Officer Careers and Hiring page on DNR website. In early summer, the DNR will also seek applications for the 2027 CO Academy from individuals with law enforcement experience."

More Recent Fishing Reports

Follow on X • Follow on Facebook • 3-6 Mille Lacs Open Water Walleye Limit • 3-5 MN Walleye Limit Reduction • 3-4 Lake of the Woods Report • Ely MN Fishing Report • 3-2 Sundin's Ideal Fishing Trip • Mille Lacs Perch 2-9 • Schara Walleye Limits • Walleye Limit 2-1 • Walleye Limit 1-27 • IOWA Limits 1-23 • 1-22 Walleye Limits • Gary Barnard 11-11 • Technology 10-25 • Charts 1-23-25 • MAPS 1-22-23 • Barotrauma Study 1-25-24 • Fish Consumption • Forward Sonar • Panfish Workgroup

Wired2Fish March 4, 2026 [VIDEO] "The Big Advantage of Perspective Mode"

"Forward-facing sonar gives anglers real-time feedback. However, some anglers only use it one way. They focus strictly on narrow forward precision. As a result, they often miss the bigger picture. Josh Bertrand takes a different approach. Instead of scanning only for individual fish, he uses perspective mode to understand the entire area around his boat. That wider view helps him identify structure, bottom composition and key positioning zones before making a cast.
Understanding Forward View vs. Perspective

Standard forward-facing sonar delivers precision. The narrow cone tells you exactly where a fish sits. When you see a target, you know it sits right there. However, perspective mode shows the ..." View Video and Learn More >> "The Big Advantage of Perspective Mode"

image provides links to check Minnesota Fishing Regulations and Purchase Minnesota Fishing Licenses

Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report March 4, 2026

image of ice angler with beautiful walleye caught on Lake of the Woods "Lake of the Woods ice fishing continues to deliver with outstanding conditions across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle. Ice conditions this winter have been exceptional—with some areas exceeding 3 feet of solid ice.

In many cases, resort ice roads extend more than 20 miles onto the lake, providing reliable access to prime fishing grounds. As always, work through a reputable resort or outfitter who understands current ice conditions, weight limits, and where the fish are holding. They'll keep you safe and put you on fish.

Extended Seasons on Lake of the Woods - March Ice Fishing Looks Strong!

With ice fishing lasting through March and temps looking to be cold the first part of the month, it looks like the 3 feet plus of ice on many parts of the lake will be around for a while. This is great news if you want to get in one last trip or if you want to target big pike.

Here's what makes Lake of the Woods special—while the walleye and pike season across Minnesota's inland waters is now closed until the fishing opener, Lake of the Woods is border water with Canada and our season is still open!

Fish houses can remain out overnight through March 31st
On the lake, the normal walleye and sauger limits through April 14th
Four Mile Bay and Rainy River: walleyes and saugers are catch and release from March 1 through April 14th
Pike season never closes - fish for pike year-round
Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open
Lake Sturgeon are catch and release through April 23rd. April 24 - May 7 is the harvest season (1 per calendar year. Fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75". Fish must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours). May 8 - 15 is catch and release. The season closes May 16 - June 30, 2026.

There's still plenty of season ahead, and plenty of opportunity to get out here. Contact a Lake of the Woods resort and set up your trip in one of their many heated fish houses positioned on schools of walleyes and saugers. You'll be fishing in comfort while the resorts do the heavy lifting.

Important Reminders for March Anglers

New fishing license required: If you are fishing in Minnesota, you need a new fishing license starting March 1st.

Catch and release areas: If you are fishing the Rainy River or Four Mile Bay, walleyes and sauger are catch and release only through April 14th. You can still keep walleyes and saugers on the main lake through April 14th.

South Shore Ice Fishing Report – Picking Away at QualityFish: Most South Shore ice fishig continues in 28 to 32 feet of water.

Anglers are steadily picking away at various sizes of walleyes, saugers, good numbers of jumbo perch, some eelpout, and pike. Most anglers are finding some nice fish for a fish fry or to take home to loved ones. The mixed bag is as strong as ever. Along with walleyes and saugers, we're seeing good numbers of big jumbo perch, eelpout, tullibees, pike, and even the occasional sturgeon. It's Lake of the Woods—you never know what's coming up the hole next, and that's part of the magic.

The classic one-two punch continues to be the go-to approach: run an active jigging rod to draw fish in and trigger strikes, paired with a deadstick with a live minnow set 6 inches to a foot off bottom for fish in a more neutral mood.

Jigging line: Rattle baits like the Rapala Rippin Rap continue producing some nice fish along with jigging spoons with a minnow head continue to work well. If fish are finicky or lethargic, slow your jigging cadence and/or downsize your presentation.

Deadstick: A small jig or a plain hook with a live minnow 6 inches off the bottom has been consistent and continues to produce. A gold blinking light lure with a dropper and live minnow also continues to produce.

Big Pike Active - March is Prime Time!

Anglers who enjoy targeting world class pike are already reporting good action on tip ups and quick strike rigs. Traditionally, live suckers or a good dead bait will get the flags flying. Contact a Lake of the Woods resort for fish houses set up in areas specifically where there are pike. Remember—pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods.

Rainy River Ice Fishing Report – Focus on the Golden Hours
While most ice fishing activity is on the main lake, the Rainy River continues to reward anglers who target it strategically. The best walleye action happens during the "golden hours"—the first couple hours of daylight and the last couple hours before dark.

Exercise extra caution on river ice due to the current. Always fish through a resort or outfitter that knows the river and can provide safe access.

The Rainy River will really gain popularity towards the end of March when the river starts to open. The topic will be the spring walleye run and the excellent sturgeon fishing. Important: Rainy River walleyes and saugers are catch and release only from March 1 through April 14th.

Northwest Angle Ice Fishing Report – Quality Action in 24-32 Feet. The Northwest Angle continues to produce some great ice fishing right now. The ice road from Young's Bay to the island resorts is in great condition, and fish cleaning houses are staying busy with quality catches.

Most productive fishing is happening in 24 to 32 feet of water. The one-two punch of an active jigging line and a deadstick continues to work well. Anglers are consistently picking away at walleyes, saugers, good numbers of jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and tullibees—a true Lake of the Woods mixed bag.

Looking Ahead - Rainy River Spring Season End of March and April. Mother Nature is always in charge, but typically, the Rainy River will open at the end of March at the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, MN—30 miles east of Baudette. Now is a good time to start making sure your boat and tackle is ready. When it opens, it opens fast!

Prepare for Banner Sturgeon Season. We expect another banner sturgeon fishing season on the Rainy River this spring. Plan ahead with heavier rods, reels, line, and other gear. Many anglers use their muskie or catfish gear. Come prepared with:

Oversized net or tail lasso
Needle nose pliers
Measuring tape or long bump board
Camera
Understanding of what measurements/images are needed in the event you catch a state record sturgeon

" — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report March 4, 2026

image of ice fisherman in the BWCA with a trophy lake trout "Lake trout fishing slowed down quite a bit this last weekend. Many anglers reported that they struggled to even mark trout.

Anglers that were lucky enough to even mark trout often reported they marked way more than they could even get to chase. Bite windows seemed to be very short and sweet, so be sure to get out early and don't leave too early. You might miss the bite window open for the day. Bucktails continue to be a very popular choice for anglers. Many anglers have been having good luck tipping those bucktails with a gulp minnow of keitech minnow, to add some scent. Key depths this last weekend was 35 to 45 feet of water.

Eelpout - Seems like just about everyone ice fishing this last week reported catching a handful of eelpout. Those targeting them reported a slightly slower than expected bite. Anglers found eelpout on sunken islands that top out in that 15 to 25 feet of water range. Heavy glow spoons, loaded up with smelly minnows, frozen smelt or herring has been effective. Make sure that spoon glows!

Stream Trout reports were on the slow side this last weekend too. Rainbows seemed to be the most cooperative of the trout this last week. Small jigs, tipped with wax worms, was the most productive technique. Anglers continue to catch the rainbows anywhere from 5 to 15 feet under the ice, while fishing over 50 to 70 feet of water.

Crappie fishing was slow this last week as spring crappie minded anglers started checking for crappies. Anglers found them suspended just off the bottom, in 20 to 30 feet of water and reported they were sluggish, often unwilling to rise up to the bait.

Whitefish/Tullibee - Angling pressure was light this last weekend too for whitefish and tullibees. Anglers targeting them did report having some good luck, but also reported that they had to work them to get them to bite. Anglers continue to find them in 25 to 40 feet of water, about 15 to 20 feet under the ice. Small spoons tipped with wax worms and a crappie minnow suspended under a bobber have both been effective." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

March 4, 2026 "March Fourth! The Day That Gives a Command"

image of Fish Rapper Cub Reporter Staff Number 003-IHBFBB Jeff Sundin Today, it just happens to be the only day of the year that gives a command, MARCH FOURTH!

If I was allowed to give one, a command I mean, it would be this. “By special proclamation of the Fishrapper Cub Reporter, Staff Number 003-IHBFBB, you are hereby commanded to provide your comments about the MN DNR proposal to cut the walleye limit.”
I know that I can’t command anybody to do anything. I do find it ironic though that this day that gives the command also coincides with tomorrow’s deadline to offer public comments on the Minnesota DNR proposal to cut the walleye possession limit.

As of 4:30 PM tomorrow, March 5, 2026, The Minnesota DNR will formally close the public comment period. After that, the DNR will assess the results of the commentary and decide whether public support warrants the new regulation, or not.

By now, most anglers have heard the arguments both for and against, many too, have already chosen a side. That said, most anglers, regardless of their opinions, have not yet shared them with DNR officials. Making contact via phone, email or US mail, DNR estimated that over 1000 comments had come in as of last Friday. That is quite a few but in terms of the overall number of anglers, roughly 1 million, who fish in Minnesota, that is a paltry, 1/10th of 1%. Considering the importance of getting this regulation right, that’s not a lot of input from anglers.

I’ve been studying and writing about the effort to reduce walleyes for so long that I had to do a Bing search of my own articles to figure out where it all started. The search returned about 194 results, dating back to 2008 when the first legislative effort to pass the walleye reduction was first introduced. Since that time, I've consulted with numerous scientists, and fisheries biologists who all agree that a 4-walleye possession limit will not make Minnesota walleye fishing better, nor will it have any significant impact on walleye populations in Minnesota lakes.

image of walleyes on the filet table On March 2, 2026, I wrote, "Often, we see the argument framed as a proactive regulation aimed at mitigating the impacts of fishing pressure, the use of advanced electronics and most recently, climate change. If these issues are in fact issues, then let’s address them and figure out what to do with them individually. Often too, we see the proposed regulation change framed as a change in “The Daily Bag Limit”.

That characterization is simply not accurate. The DNR proposal is not only reducing the daily limit. It intends to change the statewide walleye possession limit from 6, down to 4 fish. That means for folks who follow the law, 4 walleyes are the maximum number of fish that you can have, period." (image)

Like I said, most folks have already taken a position on one side or the other of this issue. Realistically, I know that there’s not much time left to persuade anyone who hasn’t taken a position. But if you’re interested, and want to study the issue a little bit more, you’ll find below links leading to some of the key articles, fishing reports and public comments from recent years.

If you're already prepared to vote but haven’t gotten around to it, you can email the MN DNR immediately using this address >> fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us Please mention “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the email. You may also phone the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.

March 2, 2026 "The Perfect Birthday Gift, Lake of the Woods Fishing Vacation"

Ice fishing can be a lot of work, if you’ve fished more than a few times during winter, you already know that. But on the other hand, ice fishing can be almost no work at all, that is if you do it right. Thanks to the Hippie Chick, I experienced the later this past weekend; let me explain.

For nearly 10 years, the Hippie Chick observed me running from one end of the northland to the other. Constantly loading and unloading gear, always on the move in hot pursuit of interesting places to record fishing experiences. TV programs, entertaining outdoor writers or taking photos of ice-anglers in action, there was always one more thing to do. Often, days beginning before sunrise and finishing after dark was the norm, not the exception.

She came along on a few of those trips and saw firsthand the effort that goes into producing ice-fishing content. If you’re interested, this story was one of our favorites. Read >> For the Love of Fishing: Lake Mille Lacs Ice Fishing Adventure

Now I’m not one to put words in other people’s mouths, but today, I’ll try to sum up what my loving and devoted wife may have been thinking. “All I ever see him do is work, he deserves to get one easy ice fishing trip. I think we should go somewhere that caters to us, someplace where they take care of all the details and only thing we need to do is show and fish.” Okay, maybe this isn’t 100 percent, but you get the idea, or at least the main theme of it.

So, can you guess what I received for my birthday last January? Yes, a full-service ice fishing trip at Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort on Lake of the Woods. The package she bought included three nights lodging and 2 days of ice fishing in a nice, warm ice fishing shelter.

When we arrived at the resort, their guidance was simple. “We start transporting at 6:30 AM, you two just show up at the marina when you’re ready, we’ll drive you to the spot and when you’re finished for the day, we’ll pick you up and drive you back to the resort.” All we had to do was pack some snacks, a few fishing rods, fishing lures, and a few pails.

On day 1, we left the marina around 7:15 am, our destination was house #77. So, where is that? Heck if I know, I didn’t look at the map, I didn’t try to learn the structure, and I didn’t have any expectations. We just unfolded a couple of chairs and opened the rod box. First, I got Susan set up with a rod, then I rigged up a setline (dead stick), then I set myself up with a rod and so on. After 15 minutes, we were in full fishing mode with 4 lines in the water.

We did have depth finders, so I know that the water depth was about 31 feet. And obviously, we could see whenever fish came into sight, and knew when they were ready to strike, or not. And for most of the 2 days of fishing, most of the fish we saw fell into the “or not” category. However, there were enough active walleyes to keep the trip interesting. We rarely went for more than 10 or 15 minutes without seeing something on our flashers. Every so often, we’d trick one of them onto our lures and for the most part, fish we caught were of quality size.

On this trip, I thought that the saugers we caught were above average. There were only a couple of walleyes, but they were also decent size fish. As usual, Susan caught the largest, pictured above, and as you see, it was a fat, sassy fish. For me, a phantom crappie that nearly crossed the 13-inch mark was the most notable catch. In the past, we’ve caught crappies at the northwest angle, but this was my first ever on the south shore.

Obviously, this can’t be a “hard-core” fishing report, so take this advice for what it’s worth. Knowing that we were fishing in deep water and not wanting to catch a bunch of little fish, I tied on a larger than average lure. The Lindy Glow Streak, with a whole fathead strung around all three barbs of the treble hook, was responsible for almost all of the fish I caught over the two days. For Susan, the old reliable Quiver Spoon, pink/glow color was the better choice, we caught a couple of fish on the pink Glow Spoon too.

We were hoping for a phantom pike to make an appearance. So, my set lines were set up with large, gold Quiver Spoons tipped with the largest whole fatheads we had in the pail. The northern pike were not in the neighborhood though; there were very few of them caught by anybody this weekend.

Susan and I had 5 keepers each day and released an equal number of smaller fish along the way. At the fish cleaning station, catches matching ours were very common. Most of the groups came in with some fish, typically about half of their limits. There were some eelpouts showing up, a few tullibees and a couple of groups caught some decent perch too.

I realize that hard-core fish hunters may not be impressed. But when you think about it, this is really a good report. Everybody caught something, and most of them were doing exactly what we were doing, relying on the resort to place a single fishing shelter “someplace” on ¾ of a million acres of frozen surface water. With 128 square feet of heated shelter to work with, anglers wait, fingers crossed, for hungry fish to swim into range of their lures. Think about it, it’s amazing how many fish are caught!

Okay, so my ice-fishing birthday gift was, in my opinion, a great success. We have a highlight reel of fish catches; we had delightful fish-fry on the spot and will have another one sometime soon. But maybe the best part of the trip was the relaxation factor. No worrying, no scurrying, just show up and fish. If you’re thinking this sounds like fun, give the folks at Arnesen’s a call, I don’t think you’d be disappointed. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

March 2, 2026 Sundin Opinion: Minnesota Walleye Limit Reduction Proposal

Friendly reminder, there are 4 days remaining in the public comment period for the proposed reduction in Minnesota’s possession limit for walleyes. In you love the idea of reducing the limit from 6 fish down to 4 fish, you have 4 more days to say so. Likewise, if you’d prefer to see the possession limit remain unchanged at 6 fish, then the same 4 days are available for you to express your point of view.

Over the past several years, I’ve expressed my concerns that the 4 fish limit will not do anything to improve walleye fishing in Minnesota. I’ve presented articles that provide expert testimony from fisheries biologists who agree.

Often, we see the argument framed as a proactive regulation aimed at mitigating the impacts of fishing pressure, the use of advanced electronics and most recently, climate change. If these issues are in fact issues, then let’s address them and figure out what to do with them individually. Often too, we see the proposed regulation change framed as a change in “The Daily Bag Limit”.

That characterization is simply not accurate. The DNR proposal is not only reducing the daily limit. It intends to change the statewide walleye possession limit from 6, down to 4 fish. That means for folks who follow the law, 4 walleyes is the maximum number of fish that you can have, period.

You may be thinking, oh come on Jeff, don’t you know that people have more than their possession limits in their freezers all the time? This may be true, especially for locals who can fish often, and bring home fish on almost every outing. But for tourists, folks who must stay at public resorts, campgrounds and the like, stockpiling fish at home is not an option. They are under the microscope, vulnerable to more frequent checks by the DNR conservation officers.

In my opinion, it is simply unfair to expect one group of people to subsize the activities of another group. I could possibly have been convinced to support a regulation change to 4 fish daily, provided that the possession limit would have remained at 6 fish. The impact of that would have satisfied the folks calling for the 4 fish limit, primarily aimed at day trippers, fishing guides and highly skilled anglers. At the same time, a 6 fish possession limit would provide anglers forced to travel long distances and fish fewer times each season with a bit of padding. In my opinion, tourism would be less impacted than local traffic.

Review: The new regulation, as presently planned, will become effective in March of 2027. The new statewide possession limit of 4 walleyes with one over 20 inches will become the permanent statewide regulation.

The public comment period remains in effect from now until March 4, 2026, and offers anglers one last chance to vote either yes, or no and that’s it, nothing in between. If DNR fisheries officials, after reviewing public comments, feel that there’s adequate public support, then the new rules, as they are written, will be implanted. If fisheries folks deem public support to be inadequate, then it is possible that they might decide not to move forward with the new plan.

You can voice your support, or your opposition to the new regulations in 1 of 3 ways.

Email to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us. Please mention “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the email.
Phone the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.
US Mail delivered to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

February 26, 2026 "MN Fishing License, Renewing the Renew-Able"

image of Jeff Sundin's Minnesota fishing license I’m not a forgetful person; in fact, my memory is good. What I am though, is a “scatterbrain”, tending to be disorganized and focused on too many things all at once. I think about getting one job done, then getting distracted by other tasks that demand equal attention.

If that sounds familiar to you, then you may appreciate the reminder that your Minnesota fishing license will expire this Saturday, February 28, 2026. That’s right, we’ll all need new fishing licenses beginning on Sunday March 1, 2026. So, if you have weekend plans like Susan and I do, renewing the license early on Sunday could present problems.

The last thing I need is to ruin my wife’s weekend fishing trip with a citation. So yesterday I logged on to my DNR account and purchased our 2026 licenses. For me, the system that works best is to buy the license online, download the PDF and print several copies. I keep one copy in the boat, one in the truck and one in my wallet. And since Minnesota allows “electronic versions” of our fishing license to be presented on our smart phones, I keep a PDF copy on my phone too. No matter where I go, if I pick up a fishing rod, I’m covered.

Image describes Minnesota's Super Sports Combination fishing and hunting license This year, while I was looking through the list of license options, I noticed the “Super Sports License”. This is possibly the best bargain for outdoor enthusiasts on the market. For $100, the individual license includes the annual fishing license, the annual small game license, a MN state trout stamp, MN state waterfowl stamp and your MN state pheasant stamp. Plus, the super sports license covers your choice of either a firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer license. All you need to remember is to log back in after August 1 to redeem your choice of the deer license at no additional charge.

For Susan and I, the super sports combination is the perfect season-long solution. The combination version of the license includes married couple fishing only (as recognized by MN state law), small game for primary buyers, 2 state trout stamps, a state waterfowl stamp and a state pheasant stamp for primary buyers. The choice of firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer license after August 1 is offered only to the primary buyers.

For a grand total of $157, I purchased

Minnesota Annual Fishing Licenses For 2 People
2 Minnesota Walleye Stamps, one for each of us
2 Minnesota Trout Stamps, one for each of us
1 Minnesota State Pheasant Stamp for me
1 Minnesota State Waterfowl Stamp
1 Minnesota State Small Game License for me
1 Minnesota State Deer Hunting License for me

Okay, monetary value is one thing but knowing that I’m covered for almost everything is the key feature. For a scatterbrain like me, having one piece of paper that covers most of my fishing and hunting for the whole year is fabulous. It means I can relax about buying licenses and pay more attention to whatever it is that grabs my attention next!

While I was logged in to the license page, I renewed my boat license too. Spring is coming fast, so if yours is due this season, you might as well get it done while you’re thinking about it. For your convenience, use this link, or click the image to renew your Minnesota Fishing, Hunting or Boating License right now.

— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

Wired2Fish February 26, 2026 "How State Fisheries Regulations Are Made"

"I started working in fisheries and aquatic management after graduating college, often hearing anglers’ familiar complaints at the boat launch or bait shop. I’ve just about heard it all, things from “These regulations don’t make any sense!” to “The size limits are out of control!”

The truth is, to anglers, it can look like people who don’t fish wrote a bunch of these rules.

But the reality is far different. State fisheries regulations are the end result of years — sometimes decades — of biological data, fieldwork, modeling, and public input. They’re not perfect and they’re always evolving, but every regulation has a scientific foundation. Understanding what goes into making them helps explain why those rules exist in the first place.

Everything starts with data. Fisheries agencies collect enormous amounts of ..." Read Full Story and Learn More >> How State Fisheries Regulations Are Made

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