However, at all times a 14-inch walleye was the most frequently harvested size. In recent times larger walleyes, especially those greater than 18 inches, have become less common in the harvest. Two major factors account for this. The first is increased fishing pressure, which has put more of a strain on walleye fisheries because anglers are harvesting many walleyes before they can grow to large sizes. While we can't predict the future, we can make some suggestions to help determine the fate of tomorrow's fisheries.
Anglers can influence the future of Minnesota's fisheries as much as the DNR can.
This control is practiced every time an angler decides to harvest or release a fish. Harvest should always remain a part of fishing in Minnesota. With more anglers fishing with better boats and gear, it is possible to overfish to harvest more fish than growth can replace in a lake. Overfishing causes the average size of fish to decrease. The answer is not clear-cut.