Walleye and Bass regulations to be discussed

PIERRE, S.D. – Changes for walleye and bass fishing regulations are on the horizon for some South Dakota lakes, and the Game, Fish and Parks Department fisheries staff plans to share information and gather public input at a series of meetings over the next few months.

 

“It’s important that the public be informed and involved in the decision making process for fishing regulations,” John Lott, GFP Chief of Aquatic Services, said. “Biologists gather information on how abundant fish are, how fast they grow, and how many are harvested by anglers; but it is equally important that information on public opinion and acceptance of regulation alternatives be gathered as part of the regulation setting process.”

 

During May, GFP staff will share information on potential regulation changes at the following meetings:

 

Lott said the goal of regulation changes will be reducing regulation complexity without affecting the ability of regulations to provide quality fisheries. Regulations for most waters will not change, but there may be changes to some waters so regulations match one of the options in a new regulation framework developed by GFP staff.

 

Regulation frameworks, commonly referred to as toolboxes, have been developed for walleye and bass. Each combination of length and daily limits is seen as a tool in the toolbox that can be used to help manage a fishery. “As with a wrench or hammer, each toolbox regulation package works best in certain situations and there is a tool for each type of fishery,” Lott said.

 

GFP is seeking to simplify regulations by using a set number to tools to address fishery management issues around the state. Statewide regulations will be in place in most waters. In waters where special management needs exist, management needs will be met with a specific tool from the toolbox.

 

“We want anglers to know that in most waters regulations will be unchanged,” Lott said. “As an example, a daily limit of two walleye currently exists on a small number of lakes that need that level of protection, but the number of lakes with a two fish daily limit is not expected to change much. Most lakes will continue to be managed by our statewide regulation.”  The statewide regulation for walleyes if four fish daily (one over 20 inches and the statewide bass regulation is five largemouth or smallmouth daily. 

 

For waters with minimum length limits for walleye of 14 or 16 inches, the minimum length will likely be 15 inches or the minimum length limit may be removed and the fishery managed under statewide regulations.   “Biologists have determined that when a minimum length limit is the best regulation option, a 15-inch minimum is as effective as a 14- or 16-inch minimum,” Lott said.

 

Anglers interested in knowing more about potential regulation changes for walleye and bass may attend one of the set meetings or contact fisheries staff at any of the GFP Division of Wildlife offices. Announcements for additional meetings will be made as they are scheduled.

 

--GFP--