To find out the causes of the downfall in the walleye population, the Minnesota DNR began phase one of their new research project. Fisheries biologists collected nearly 300 spawning female walleye that were milked of their eggs for future fry to be put back into the lake.

Biologists collected 160 quarts of walleye eggs that will be transported to the St. Paul Hatchery. The fry hatched from the captured eggs will then be marked and released back into Mille Lacs. This process helps protect the genetic integrity of the current population.

The walleye fry are expected to hatch in 10-17 days depending on water temperatures. From there, they plan to compare the numbers of those born in the hatchery to those in the wild this fall.

By — Chelsie Brown

News/Sports Reporter in Brainerd