WALLEYE GONE

Department of Natural Resources researchers completed a net test recently on the northern end of Mille Lacs Lake and found less than half as many walleye than average. The average net test has been just over 15 fish. The recent test was just over 7. DNR Fisheries Ron Payer said the decline is mostly on the northern edge, that the southern end of the lake showed minimal decline in fish population. Merrifield professional fisherman Gary Roach told the Brainerd Dispatch he didn't believe the report. He said everybody has been catching fish and October is always a tough time becaus they're not biting this time of the year. The DNR will make final decisions about winter fishing limits next week. Adjusting limits for next summer could be done in February, effective next spring with the opener.