The
Bemidji Pioneer is reporting that Bemidji guide Don Mickel landed what was potentially the Minnesota state-record walleye on the Rainy River April 4. Problem was because of catch-and-release regulations, Mickel was forced to release the walleye and it was not eligible to be recognized as the state record walleye.
Mickel's fish was 17.9 pounds on an old scale. It measured 35.1 inches long and had a girth of 24.25 inches. If the fish had been allowed to be certified it would eclipse the old record of 17.8 pounds. Mickel's fish fell for a Northland Fireball jig tipped with a Northland Rainbow Mimic Minnow.
