ST. PAUL — Special fishing regulations will change on 17 Minnesota lakes and one trout stream in March, while existing special rules will become permanent on five other lakes around the state.

The changes mostly affect smaller lakes where fisheries managers are trying to rebuild walleye populations or grow bigger sunfish.

In other waters, including popular Rainy Lake on the Canadian border in northeastern Minnesota, special walleye or bass restrictions are being relaxed to provide more harvest opportunities.

On the Vermillion River in Dakota County, anglers will have more chances to harvest rainbow trout.

Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the Department of Natural Resources, says officials considered public comments and biological data in determining the special regulations.