Department of Natural Resources fisheries officials today reminded anglers the change in regulations for the closing date for the walleye, northern pike and muskellunge fishing season in the Upper Peninsula does not take effect until 2009.

The regulation change, which extends the walleye, northern pike and muskellunge season from the last day in February to March 15, may be found in the 2008 Michigan Fishing Guide, but the state's fishing rules apply from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.

"The rules for 2008 will be the same as previous years, meaning that the closing date for walleye, pike and muskie fishing in the Upper Peninsula will be Feb. 29," said Steve Scott, Fisheries Division Lake Superior basin coordinator.

Scott said the February closing date was established in the 1990s when there was a concern about the over harvest of walleye. Recent creel surveys across the Upper Peninsula, however, indicate the populations of this species have remained stable and, in some waters, have increased, thus allowing more fishing opportunity.

"Recent data suggests that U.P. lakes can tolerate greater fishing pressure and still maintain a healthy population of fish," Scott said. "This change also establishes consistent statewide regulations, since the Lower Peninsula currently observes a March 15 closure."

For more information, consult the 2008 Michigan Fishing Guide, or contact Steve Scott, DNR Fisheries Division, at (906) 293-5131 or Mike Herman, District Fisheries Supervisor, Escanaba, at (906) 786-2351.