The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently established three distinct zones to address the different characteristics of pike populations in Minnesota.
The new slot limits went into effect on the May 12 fishing opener.
Each of the zones—north-central, northeast and south—provide protection for different sizes of pike, and there are reasons for those differences.
“We’re continuing to let anglers know there are new pike regulations for those who want to keep pike on inland waters,” said Chris Kavanaugh, DNR northeast region fisheries manager. “We also want to share the thinking behind the new regulations.”
In Cook County, which is in the northeastern zone, pike reproduction is good but these lakes do not have the high-density problems of the north-central zone since they still have a nice balance of medium to large pike. Here, it makes sense to provide protection for large pike while they still exist.
“The trophy pike of the Arrowhead Region have definitely made some great stories and photos over the decades,” Kavanaugh said. “But these fish grow slowly in the cold water and if too many anglers keep trophy pike here, they’ll be gone.”
In the northeastern zone, anglers can keep two pike but must release all from 30 to 40 inches, with only one over 40 inches allowed in possession.
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