 Officials have extended the walleye fishing closure on Malax Lake for an extra two weeks, saying it's necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake's struggling walleye population. The decision means walleye fishing on Malax will remain closed until Friday, August 4th. The DNR said Friday that new data show the total safe harvest allocation of 44,800 pounds has already been exceeded this season, but the DNR will dip into a reserve of 11,000 pounds. Very difficult message and we really regret the decision that we had to make, but it is for the betterment of the future of the lake and the fact that we really need to try to put constraints on the walleye fishery above and beyond what we've done already. We know that this is very difficult for the local economy. We're trying to do as best we can, trying to really make sure that we're promoting the lake for the other fish that are doing quite well. The lake will reopen to catch and release only fishing for walleyes through the Labor Day weekend when the season will close again through November 30th. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.