Walleye Populations Lower in Mille Lacs

(AP)  The walleye population has fallen in Lake Mille Lacs. 

A recent Minnesota Department of Natural Resources netting assessment turned up fewer and smaller walleyes, the second lowest since monitoring began in 1983. 

The long term trend has been downward since the mid 1980s, but the number of female walleyes has been stable.  Fisheries officials say anglers target the smaller fish which are typically male. 

Fishing reports have been good this year.  The DNR says this may be due to fewer perch, a menu favorite for walleye.  As a result, the state fish may have been a little more hungry.