10-27-2004, 02:28 AM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – To better manage the Belle Fourche Reservoir walleye population, the Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed removing the 14-inch minimum limit and the one-over-20- inches maximum walleye length limit. These regulations would be replaced by a 15-18- inch protective slot limit that includes an allowance of one walleye 18 inches or longer in a four-fish daily limit.[/size]
[size 2]According to GFP Regional Fisheries Manager Gene Galinat of Rapid City, the Belle Fourche Reservoir walleye population has increased substantially over the past four years, and because the reservoir is an irrigation source, high water demands have further concentrated the dense population. [/size]
[size 2]"While the walleye population is crowded, the number of walleye longer than 18 inches is few," Galinat said. "The intention of this rule change is to allow walleyes to survive and grow through the protected size range, increasing the number of walleye longer than 18 inches."[/size]
[size 2]Galinat noted that this proposal was recently discussed with local anglers. "Their response was favorable, and they agreed that the proposed rule should be given a chance to work," he said.[/size]
[size 2]To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Ramkota in Pierre, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to [/size][size 2][url "mailto:wildinfo@state.sd.us"][font "Arial"]wildinfo@state.sd.us[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2]. Comments must include full name and address.[/size][/font]
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[size 2]According to GFP Regional Fisheries Manager Gene Galinat of Rapid City, the Belle Fourche Reservoir walleye population has increased substantially over the past four years, and because the reservoir is an irrigation source, high water demands have further concentrated the dense population. [/size]
[size 2]"While the walleye population is crowded, the number of walleye longer than 18 inches is few," Galinat said. "The intention of this rule change is to allow walleyes to survive and grow through the protected size range, increasing the number of walleye longer than 18 inches."[/size]
[size 2]Galinat noted that this proposal was recently discussed with local anglers. "Their response was favorable, and they agreed that the proposed rule should be given a chance to work," he said.[/size]
[size 2]To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Ramkota in Pierre, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to [/size][size 2][url "mailto:wildinfo@state.sd.us"][font "Arial"]wildinfo@state.sd.us[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2]. Comments must include full name and address.[/size][/font]
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