Dayton Considers Special Session for Mille Lacs Walleye Drop

ST. PAUL (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is considering calling a special session if the walleye season is closed on Mille Lacs Lake.

The Department of Natural Resources has said walleye fishing could be closed on Mille Lacs as early as Aug. 3 because anglers were close to exceeding the state's quota for the season on the popular lake.

Dayton says it's "obviously a crisis situation." Dayton is preparing a $20 million disaster rescue package targeting resort owners and related businesses.

An aide says Dayton spoke Tuesday with Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and House Speaker Kurt Daudt about a special session in August.

Dayton plans to meet in St. Paul with Mille Lacs area business leaders on Wednesday, and go to Mille Lacs on Friday for a public meeting.