The walleye population in Mille Lacs Lake, the state's most popular walleye fishery, has declined dramatically, but local anglers remain optimistic.

Recent netting surveys produced the fewest pounds of walleye since Department of Natural Resources surveys began in 1983. The unexpected declines could lead to stricter walleye harvest rules.

Fisheries managers caught only 12.8 pounds of walleyes per net. Last year, it was 31 pounds per net, above the long-term average of 28.9.

Jon Mendel, store manager at Sportsman's Warehouse, St. Cloud, has been fishing at Mille Lacs Lake for the 25 years the DNR has done the netting surveys. Contrary to reports of a low population, he said walleye fishing was, and still is, spectacular this year.

Ron Payer, chief of DNR fisheries, agreed that walleye fishing on Mille Lacs was tremendous this year — so good a harvest slot was implemented to keep the harvest below the allocated number of pounds.

"We were surprised," Payer said.

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