Pre-slot limit data in Area A is limited but obviously warranted a drastic change in walleye regulations for the area. There is a challenge in adopting one size specific regulation such as a slot limit, to a large area like this. I think the intent was to start at the biologically preferred size and eventually raise the lower limit to allow more additional harvest for anglers as well as keeping the slot the same as other lakes in Southern Manitoba (LOTP, Whitefish and Wellman Lakes for example) possibly to avoid regulation confusion. The lower end of the slot was raised from 38 cm to 40 cm in 2002, raised again in 2004 from 40 cm to 42 cm and once more in 2007 from 42 cm to 45 cm.

The lower limit of 38 cm would again try to encompass most mature females in the population. The growth rates are different, however the age at sexually maturity for walleye would remain the same at around 5 years of age. This reflects the different growth rates for walleye located in lakes predominately in the less productive Canadian Shield country versus a highly productive reservoir like LOTP. Notice the lower end is not 45 cm but 38 cm. The slot limit initially was all walleye between 38 cm and 70 cm must be released.

Big pine lake slot limit