ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it will close the catch-and-release walleye season on Mille Lacs Lake on Sept. 6.

The agency said Tuesday that eight Chippewa bands had expressed concern about keeping the season open.

Fisheries managers announced earlier this month that anglers have surpassed the walleye quota on Mille Lacs Lake but that the season would stay open at the direction of Gov. Mark Dayton. Dayton had voiced concern about the impact a closure would have on the area's economy.

The catch-and-release regulations were imposed on the popular walleye lake in north-central Minnesota for the first time this season.

Dayton says closing the season after Labor Day will have less of an economic impact on local businesses.

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