Minnesota Lawmakers Wary of Special Session for Mille Lacs

ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are pumping the brakes on Gov. Mark Dayton's call for a special session to aid Mille Lacs Lake businesses hurting from the early closure of walleye fishing season.

A working group of legislators met for a second time Wednesday to study how to help resorts around the central Minnesota lake. Sen. David Tomassoni and other lawmakers say the best option is re-opening walleye season through Labor Day.

The state closed Mille Lacs Lake's walleye fishing season Monday night after exceeding a harvest quota meant to protect dipping walleye population.

Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr says that's "not a good option" because it would hinder their effort to preserve the fish. It also could violate the state's agreements with Indian tribes.