Walleye Worry in Mille Lacs Lake

New regulation this season has some businesses worried about their future.

New regulations set this season by the DNR on walleye fishing at Mille Lacs Lake have left many of the area’s businesses at the end of their line.

Walleye anglers are limited to using only artificial bait and must release every walleye they catch.

.Regulations set forth last year and stricter ones this year have left many of the businesses wondering how they can lure in the tourists they count on for their livelihood.

Just months away from their busiest season, McQuoid’s Inn hopes the phone continues to ring.

“We’ve seen the ups and downs on several occasions,” said general manager Katey Verdeja.

Stricter regulations on fishing the walleye at Mille Lacs Lake have affected businesses around the area.

“Guests will catch a lot of fish. They’ll just be putting them all back,” said Verdeja.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we can get this straightened out and the walleye population rebounds. Everybody up here is going to start to thrive again,” said Appeldoorn’s director of operations Paul Waldowski.

But while these businesses have diversified their operations in the last few years, some rely on fishing for every dollar they reel in.

“Obviously it’s going to effect some people coming up here,” said Waldowski.

Some residents blame the DNR, saying these regulations are too little too late. Others hang on to the beauty the lake still has to offer.

“There are still a lot of fish in the lake,” said Verdeja.

While these waters are calm now, this summer many businesses hope waves of people still come in.

“They’re going to make a comeback. The fishing is great and it will be great again,” said Verdeja.