The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has approved a regulation to further protect large northern pike on Upper Red Lake.
According to Gary Barnard, area fisheries supervisor for the DNR in Bemidji, the new regulation will require anglers on Upper Red to release all pike from 26 inches to 44 inches.
The existing regulation, which will remain in effect for the rest of winter season, requires the release of pike from 26 inches to 40 inches. The new regulation will take effect with the mid-May walleye opener, Barnard said.
The new regulation results from recommendations by a citizen's advisory committee that works with the DNR on Upper Red issues.
Upper Red Lake is one of the state's premier trophy pike fisheries, and Barnard said he's confident the new regulation will further enhance that potential.
