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MINNESOTA
FISHING
REGULATIONS

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FISHMINNESOTA
Your first stop for
Minnesota fishing
information
• View regulations on your
mobile device
• LakeFinder—
lake data and maps
• Trout fishing and stream
information
• Helpful fishing tips
• Minnesota DNR contacts

mndnr.gov/fishing

Photo by Tyler Winter

FAW_0024_22

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Fishing in the

Neighborhood (FiN) program manages 70 small fishing lakes in the
seven county Twin Cities metropolitan area. FiN aims to provide
shore fishing opportunities close to where people live.

Provides fishing piers and Holds 25 angling events

other shore fishing structures per year, reaching 3,000
for Local Units of Government participants
Stocks more than 10,000 fish Purchases fishing equipment
annually for put and take for schools and nonprofits to
fishing opportunities host their own events

mndnr.gov/fishing/fin
FAW_0028_22
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRESPASS LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FISHING LICENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Free Fishing Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
LICENSE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SEASONS AND LIMITS—INLAND AND LAKE SUPERIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Inland Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Trout—Brook, Brown and Rainbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lake Superior and Its Tributaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
GENERAL REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tackle and Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Bait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Possession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Other Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Illegal Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SPECIAL REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Intensive Management Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Waters with Experimental and Special Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
BORDER WATERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lake Sturgeon Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Canada–Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Iowa–Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
North Dakota–Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
South Dakota–Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Wisconsin–Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
BOWFISHING, SPEARING, HARPOONING, AND DIP NETTING . . . . . . . . . . 69
Bowfishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Spearing, Harpooning and Dip Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
DARK HOUSE SPEARING, ICE ANGLING AND ICE SHELTERS . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Dark House Spearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Ice Angling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Ice Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
ILLUSTRATED FISH OF MINNESOTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
STATE RECORD FISH PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
HEALTH ADVISORY AND FISH EATING GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Statewide Consumption Guidelines for Fish Caught in Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

The sale of advertising pays for a portion of this publication. The state of Minnesota and
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) neither endorse products or
services listed nor accept any liability arising from the use of products or services listed.

ON THE COVER: Main photo by Andy Choe. Winter lake photo by Deborah Rose, Minnesota DNR. Black crappie photo
by Eric Engbretson, USFWS Digital Library.
5
 TRESPASS LAW
The trespass law applies to all outdoor recreation, including but not limited to: hunting,
boating, fishing, trapping, hiking, and camping. When taking part in any outdoor
recreation, you may not enter legally posted land or agricultural land without permission.
Landowners, lessees, or authorized managers need only post their land once a year. The
signs must be placed at intervals of 1,000 feet (500 feet in wooded areas) or signs may
be placed at primary corners and at access points to the property. Signs must state
“No Trespassing,” or similar words, in 2-inch high letters and have either the signature
or name and telephone number of the landowner, lessee, or manager.
There can be civil or criminal penalties for violation of the trespass laws with maximum
fines up to $3,000 and license revocation. All conservation officers and peace officers
enforce trespass laws.
Guidelines for water access and recreational use
These are simple guidelines and are not intended to address all water access and
recreational use situations. If you have doubts about whether you may be trespassing
on private land, you should ask the landowner for permission.
What is lawful access?
A stream or lake is lawfully accessible if there is a public access, or if public land or a
public road right-of-way borders the surface of the water, or if you have permission to
cross private land to reach the surface of the water. This includes walking in the water
or on the ice regardless of who owns the land beneath the surface of the water.
What waters are open to recreational use?
A stream or lake is open to recreational use over its entire surface if it is capable
of recreational use and if it is lawfully accessible. Any water that will float a canoe
is capable of recreational use, but other waters may also qualify depending upon the
circumstances.

A Message about invasive species from DNR

Conservation Officers
Each of us needs to take personal responsibility to prevent the
spread of invasive species!
Minnesota law requires that all boaters and anglers:
• Clean plants and invasive species off all watercraft, trailers,
and other water-related equipment.
• Drain water-related equipment, remove drain plugs and keep water-draining
devices open while transporting.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• For the most complete and current infested waters list, visit mndnr.gov/AIS.

6 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

⁕
NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2023
New—Statewide Daily and Possession Limit for gar
• Gar (including longnose and shortnose gar) now have a daily and possession limit
of 10 fish combined on all waters of Minnesota, including border waters.
New—Experimental Regulations
• Caribou Lake (Itasca County): The possession limit for lake trout is reduced to one
and all fish under 20" must be immediately released (page 39).
• Portions of two tributaries (Cloquet and Otter rivers) of Island Reservoir (St. Louis
County) were added to an existing experimental regulation (page 43).
New and Modified—Special Regulations
• Big Sandy Lake and connected waters (Aitkin County): The existing experimental
walleye regulation has been converted to a special regulation (page 39).
• Round Lake (Itasca County): an existing protected slot limit for walleye has been
modified so all walleye from 20-24" must be immediately released and only one
over 24" is allowed (page 48).
• Vermillion River (Dakota County): angling season extended to follow the
southeast Minnesota streams season (see page 25). Brown trout catch and release
only regulation now applies to the entire river (page 55).
• Special regulations on the following waters have been modified so all northern
pike from 22-30" must be immediately released. The possession limit is 10 and only
one over 30" is allowed.
› A portion of the Turtle River chain of lakes including connected Little Turtle,
Big Turtle, Movil, Beltrami, Fox lakes and the Turtle River from Little Turtle Lake
downstream to Fox Lake (Beltrami County) (page 51).
• Special northern pike regulations on the following waters have been repealed and
the North Central Zone regulation is now in effect. The possession limit is 10 but
all northern pike from 22-26" must be immediately released and no more than two
over 26" are allowed.
› Otter Tail Lake (Otter Tail County)
› Three Island Lake and Turtle River Lake (Beltrami County)
› West Battle Lake (Otter Tail County)

Fishing Season Opener Dates

Season openers may reflect a harvest season or a catch and release season. See details
on page 21.
YEAR WALLEYE, PIKE, BASS MUSKIE STREAM TROUT
2023 May 13 June 3 April 15
2024 May 11 June 1 April 13
2025 May 10 June 7 April 12

7
 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are nonnative animals and plants that do not naturally
occur in our waters and may cause ecological or economic harm. See images below of
some AIS that have been found in Minnesota.
You can help prevent the introduction and spread of AIS by following both the required
and recommended actions listed on page 9 before moving your boat, bait or other
equipment from one waterbody to another.
Report new infestations: If you suspect a new infestation of an AIS, note the
exact location, take a photo or keep the specimen, and call a DNR AIS Specialist:
888-MINNDNR.
Invasive carp captures must be immediately reported to the DNR, call 651-587-2781
or email [email protected]. Please take a photo, keep carcass cool but do
not freeze, and make arrangements with the DNR to transport the carp to the nearest
area fisheries office. You may keep invasive carp for personal use with a special permit,
which is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/invasive-carp.
Red swamp crayfish Starry stonewort Spiny waterflea
2 to 5" long. Raised Grass-like algae with Long tail, white with black
bright red a small, star-shaped spots, looks like gelatinous
spots on structure called a globs on fishing line, small
claws. “bulbil” less than (up to 3 ⁄8").
¼-inch in diameter.
Zebra and
quagga mussel Faucet snail Eurasian watermilfoil
The only freshwater Up to ½" long, light 12 to 21 leaflet pairs
mollusks that attach brown to black, per leaf.
to objects with byssal 4-5 whorls.
threads
(up to 1½"); New Zealand mudsnail
larvae float Up to 1 ⁄5" long, light to
in water and dark brown, cone-shaped
are too small shell, 5-6 whorls.
to see.
Bighead and silver carp Round goby Ruffe
Eye located at lower part of Single scallop-shaped Spots between rays
head below the mouth; Silver pelvic fin, fish is usually of dorsal fin, no gap
can jump more than 10 feet 3-6" long. between fins.
high. Spots
Bighead No gap

Silver
Ruffe illustration
©C. Iverson, MN DNR

Carp illustrations ©C. Iverson, MN DNR

8
Required Actions—It’s the Law!
Most anglers and boaters follow Minnesota’s Clean, Drain, Dispose
laws to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:
Clean all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels and other
prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers and other
water-related equipment before leaving any water access or
shoreland.
• It is illegal to transport prohibited invasive species—including
zebra mussels—whether dead or alive.
• You can find a complete list of prohibited invasive species by visiting dnr.state.
mn.us/invasives/laws.html#prohibited
Drain water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait container, motor)
and drain bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving any water
access or shoreland property.
• Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.
Dispose of unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches and worms, in the trash.
• It is illegal to release bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals from one
waterbody to another.
• It is illegal to release worms in the state; worms are not native to Minnesota.
• If you want to keep your live bait, on shore before leaving, you must always drain all
water from your bait container and refill it with bottled or dechlorinated tap water.
Recommended Actions—Protect Your Waters
To further decontaminate your watercraft and equipment, it’s important to spray, rinse
or dry everything before going to another waterbody, especially if your boat has been
in the water or moored for more than 24 hours—or if you have recently been in zebra
mussel or spiny waterflea infested waters. Do one or more of the following:
• Dry for at least five days.
• Spray with high-pressure water.
• Rinse with very hot water. To reduce the risk of spreading zebra mussels, use water
that is 120 °F at the point of contact and spray each area for at least two minutes, or
use 140 °F water for at least 10 seconds on each area.
Lakes and Rivers Listed as “Infested”
What do I need to do when I visit a lake or river on the infested waters list?
You should follow the same aquatic invasive species regulations: Clean, Drain, Dispose—
every time you visit any lake or river, infested or not.
• If you are harvesting bait, commercial fishing, or diverting or taking water, you
need to follow special regulations in infested waters. See regulations for bait on
pages 30-31.
How do I know which waters are listed as infested?
• For the most complete and current infested waters list, visit mndnr.gov/AIS or
request a copy from [email protected] or call 651-259-5100.
• You can use LakeFinder to find out if a particular lake is listed as infested:
mndnr.gov/lakefind.
• Infested waters are posted with orange Invasive Species Alert signs at the
public access.

9
Watercraft Inspections
The Minnesota DNR has had a watercraft inspection program since 1992 to help
prevent the spread of AIS. With the help of our partners, today nearly 1,000 authorized
watercraft inspectors are working at lakes and rivers across Minnesota. The information
below will help you prepare for a watercraft inspection. In 2021, 95 percent of boaters
surveyed by inspectors arrived while following Minnesota’s Clean, Drain, Dispose laws.
What should I expect from an inspection?
Inspectors are trained to:
• Introduce themselves as a watercraft inspector.
• Provide tips on how to inspect your own equipment (page 9).
• Physically inspect your boat, trailer and any other water-related equipment—
meaning they may touch your boat or trailer to feel for tiny attached zebra mussels
or other invasive species.
• Physically inspect compartments that may hold water, such as live wells
or bilge areas.
• Deny launch if: 1) the inspector finds invasive species or any plants attached, and
until the invasive species or plants are removed; or 2) you refuse an inspection.
› Although inspectors have the authority to deny launch, they will work with you to
try to bring your watercraft into compliance.
› Inspectors will not deny launch based solely on where, or when, you last used
your watercraft.
• Ask questions to help improve the DNR’s inspection program. You are not required
to answer these questions.
How should I prepare for an inspection?
When entering an access:
• Always follow all state laws regarding AIS and arrive in compliance with Clean, Drain
and Dispose laws (page 9).
• Open the lids of closed compartments that could hold water, like live wells, so the
inspector can see they are drained. Your drain plugs should all be open while you
transport your boat.
• Remember to install the drain plug after the inspection and before launching.
When exiting an access:
• Remove any plants, mud, and invasive animals.
• Pull all drain plugs.
• Open water-holding compartments to allow inspection.
What about on-site watercraft decontamination?
An inspector may require your watercraft to be decontaminated prior to launching
or before leaving an access, if a unit is on-site. Most decontaminations can be done
quickly. Trained inspectors use hot water to target areas to kill AIS. An inspector may
also use high-pressure water. The DNR performs watercraft decontaminations free
of charge.
How do I find a decontamination station?
The DNR posts decontamination unit locations online at mndnr.gov/decon.
At these sites, inspectors will perform a courtesy inspection and determine if any
decontamination is required.
Tell us how we’re doing at: [email protected]

10 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Hook into
Minnesota’s
Favorite Nature
Magazine!

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Minnesota Conservation
Volunteer is the perfect gift
for anglers young and old.
DONATE & SUBSCRIBE
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Or call 844-245-7115 using
promo code T22FISH
Aquatic Invasive Species 11
 DEFINITIONS
Culling (sorting)
The act of replacing one fish with another fish (see possession information on
pages 32-33). See border waters with North Dakota on page 63.
Daily versus possession limits (collectively called bag limits)
A possession limit is the number of a particular species allowed in an angler’s possession,
including any and all locations such as a livewell or freezer at home. A daily limit is the
number of a particular species an angler is allowed to keep in a calendar day, including
those that are gifted or consumed. Daily and possession limits are most often the same
with the exception of statewide perch limits (see page 22) and special regulations for
sunfish and crappie which reduce a daily limit but retain the statewide possession limit
(see pages 37-55). While on or angling in a water with a daily limit that is lower than the
possession limit, a person may not have more than the daily limit of that species in their
immediate physical possession.
Designated stream trout lakes
These waters have been listed in Minnesota Rule and have been stocked with trout that
are typically found in streams: rainbow, brown, or brook trout. Some also have splake,
a cross between a lake trout and a brook trout.
Game fish
Includes the following and their hybrids: American eel, bass (includes rock, white, and
yellow), burbot, catfish, cisco (tullibee), crappie, muskellunge, northern pike, paddlefish,
salmon, sauger, sturgeon, sunfish, trout, walleye, whitefish, and yellow perch.
Immediately released or returned to the water
Immediately released fish are only retained long enough to unhook, measure and
photograph. Fish not immediately released are counted as part of an angler's daily and
possession limit.
Inland waters
Lakes and rivers within Minnesota not bordering Canada or another state.
Minimum size limit
Prohibits harvest of fish less than a specified length.
Minnows
All sizes of true minnows (excluding carp and goldfish), leeches, mudminnows, tadpole
madtoms, stonecats; the following if 12" or less: suckers, redhorses, buffalo, carpsuckers;
the following if 7" or less: bullhead, cisco (tullibee), lake whitefish, goldeye, and mooneye.
Border water regulations may vary.
One-over the size limit
Allows the harvest of one fish over a set size limit as part of the daily or possession limit.
Protected slot limit
Prohibits harvest of fish from a designated size range. Fish within this size range must be
immediately released.
Rough fish
Carp, buffalo, sucker (including redhorse and carpsuckers), freshwater drum
(sheepshead), bowfin (dogfish), gar, goldeye and bullhead. Border waters regulations
may vary.
12 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
FISHING LICENSES
• Any combination (married couple) type license will now require each spouse to have
a complete customer record on file. MN residents without a complete customer
record should visit a license agent or call our license center to verify their residency.
• Resident youth younger than 16 do not need a fishing license.
• There is a $1 agent fee (added to the cost of the license) associated with each license
or stamp sold, including some free licenses.
• Purchase online at: mndnr.gov/buyalicense
• Duplicate licenses and stamps can be purchased from any Electronic License System
(ELS) agent for $2.50 each.
• License year begins March 1 and ends the last day of February unless otherwise noted.
• Fish house, dark house or shelter licenses valid March 1 to April 30 the following year
(or 3-year period).
• A fishing license continues to be valid for the balance of the license period if the
licensee’s age, residency, or student qualification status changes.
• Super Sports licenses include: 50 cents for wolf management; 50 cents for
emergency feeding and wild cervidae-deer health management; $1 deer/bear
management account; and $2 for deer management.
• In the table below, the 3-digit code refers to the license identification code.

Resident Angling Licenses

Resident licenses Code License Description Fee
YOUTH ANGLING 138 Youth Annual Youth Individual Angling $5
Resident Individual (Age 16 and 17) (exempt from trout/salmon stamp
Age 16 and 17 and spearing license)

ADULT ANGLING 111 Adult Annual Individual Angling $25

Resident
Individual Ages 18
through 89

110 24-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon $12

stamp required) Consecutive 24-hour
140 72-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon $14
stamp required) Consecutive 72-hour
141 3-year Individual Angling Consecutive $71
3-years
105 ½ Bag Limit Individual Angling ½ bag limits $17
Conservation
216 Sports Individual Angling and Small Game $41
142 Super Sports Individual Angling including trout/ $100
salmon stamp, Small Game including
pheasant and state waterfowl
stamps, a deer tag (archery,
firearms or muzzleloader)

Continued on next page

Fishing Licenses 13
Resident Angling Licenses continued
Resident licenses Code License Description Fee
ANGLING 134 Walleye Stamp Voluntary Donation $5
LICENSES Validation
Additional Options
135 Pictorial Stamp mailed + 75
cents
128 Trout/Salmon Individual Trout and Salmon $10
Stamp Validation (required for designated
(required for trout lakes, Lake Superior and to
anglers age harvest trout)
18-64; see
page 17 for
exemptions)
129 Pictorial Stamp mailed + 75
cents
130 Sturgeon Tag Required to harvest a sturgeon $5
113 Spearing Individual Dark House spearing $6
Annual (angling license required for ages
18 through 89)
119 House or Fish House, Dark House, or $15
Shelter Annual Shelter, see page 71 for details
131 House or Fish House, Dark House, or $42
Shelter 3-year Shelter, see page 71 for details
120 House or Fish House, Dark House, or $30
Shelter Rented Shelter, see page 71 for details
Annual
132 House or Shelter Fish House, Dark House, or $87
Rented 3-year Shelter, see page 71 for details
115 Netting Whitefish and cisco (tullibee) $10
Lakes open to sport gillnetting,
the seasons and regulations are
online at mndnr.gov/regulations/
fishing or by calling the DNR
Information Center.
MARRIED 112 Married Married Couple Angling, each $40
ANGLING Resident Combination person may have their own
Married Couple Annual possession limit.
106 Married Married ½ bag limit Conservation $27
½ Bag Limit Combination, each person may
Conservation keep half their regular limit.
Combination
217 Married Two Angling and one Small Game $57
Combination
Sports

14 Continued on next page

Resident Angling Licenses continued
Resident licenses Code License Description Fee
MARRIED 143 Married A combination angling license $126
ANGLING Combination including two trout/salmon stamps,
Resident Married Super Sports and for the primary licensee an
Couple Continued individual small game including
pheasant and state waterfowl stamps
and a single individual deer tag
(archery, firearm or muzzleloader)
LIFETIME 411 Lifetime Renewal FREE
ANGLING Angling
Resident Individual
Age 3 and younger $344
Age 4 to 15 $469
Age 16 to 50 $574
Age 51 and older $379
407 Lifetime Renewal FREE
Angling and
Spearing
Age 3 and younger $432

Age 4 to 15 $579

Age 16 to 50 $678

Age 51 and older $439

413 Lifetime Sports Renewal FREE

(spearing option
available but not
included)
Age 3 and younger $522
Age 4 to 15 $710
Age 16 to 50 $927
Age 51 and older $603

FREE FISHING WEEKENDS

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend — May 13-14, 2023 Minnesota resident moms may fish
without a license.
Take a Kid Fishing Weekend — June 9-11, 2023 Minnesota residents 16 and older may
fish without a license if they're with children younger than 16.
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend —January 13-15, 2024 Minnesota residents 16 and older
may fish without a license if they're with children younger than 16.

Definitions 15
 Nonresident Angling Licenses
A $5 surcharge on nonresident licenses is included with the applicable fee.
Nonresident youth under age 16, see page 20.
Nonresident Code License Description Fee
angling license
YOUTH ANGLING 205 Youth Annual Youth Individual Angling (exempt from $5
Nonresident age 16 and 17 trout/salmon stamp and spearing
Individual license). Youth under age 16 may
age 16 and 17 purchase to possess own limit.
ADULT ANGLING 121 Annual Individual Angling $51
Nonresident
Individual age 18
and over
139 24-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon $14
stamp required) Consecutive 24-hour
127 72-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon $36
stamp required) Consecutive 72-hour
126 7-Day Individual Angling, Consecutive 7-day $43
ANGLING LICENSES 134 Walleye Stamp Voluntary Donation $5
Nonresident Validation
additional options
135 Pictorial stamp mailed + 75
cents
128 Trout/Salmon Individual Trout and Salmon $10
Stamp (required for Validation
anglers age 18-64)
129 Pictorial stamp mailed + 75
cents
130 Sturgeon Tag Required to harvest a sturgeon $5
118 Spearing Annual Individual Dark House Spearing $17
Age 18 and over (angling license required)
116 House or Shelter Fish House, Dark House, or $37
Annual Shelter, see page 71 for details
117 House or Shelter Fish House, Dark House, or $21
7-Day Shelter, see page 71 for details
133 House or Shelter Fish House, Dark House, or $111
3-year Shelter, see page 71 for details
FAMILY ANGLING 124 Combination One or both parents and $68
Nonresident Annual Family dependent children under age 16.
Married Couple Trout/salmon stamp not included.
125 Combination Married Couple Consecutive $54
14-Day 14-Day Angling
LIFETIME ANGLING 415 Lifetime Angling Renewal Free
Nonresident
Individual
Age 3 and under $821
Age 4 to age 15 $1,046
Age 16 to age 50 $1,191
Age 51 and over $794

16 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Electronic Licensing Information
The Electronic Licensing System (ELS) issues licenses and stamp validations through
1,400 license agent locations statewide. Agents charge an issuing fee for each license
and stamp sold.
Instant Licenses
Customers may purchase instant licenses and stamp validations online or by telephone
at 888-665-4236. An additional convenience fee is added for sales via the website or
telephone (see website for details). A self-printed or electronic license is sufficient
proof of licensing. Lake sturgeon harvest tags may not be purchased online.
Lifetime Licenses
First-time purchase of lifetime licenses is only available at the DNR License Center in
St. Paul. Application forms are available online or through the DNR Information Center
888-646-6367. A lifetime license holder who is required by law to have a game and fish
license, must authorize their participation by obtaining an annual license renewal each
year the lifetime license is used. These annual licenses are issued at no fee.
Conservation Licenses
• Conservation Licenses are available only to residents of Minnesota.
• Daily and possession limits are half of what can be taken with a standard angling
license. Fractions are rounded down to next whole number (see page 20 for list).
• People bowfishing, spearing, or using other approved harvest methods under a
Conservation License are limited to one half of the daily and possession limit for
that method.
• Sturgeon harvest tag may not be used with a Conservation License.
Trout/Salmon Stamp Lake Trout
$10
© 2023 TROUT AND SALMON STAMP

Trout/salmon stamp validations are printed on the ELS

license. This is the only verification needed to prove
purchase of the trout/salmon stamp. Purchasers may
request the actual pictorial stamp for an additional VOID
75 cents. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Except as noted, anglers need a Minnesota trout/salmon 2023 Trout Stamp, Bradley Hadrava
stamp validation and a fishing or sports license when
fishing in designated trout streams, designated trout lakes, Lake Superior, or when
possessing trout on waters that are not designated trout water. All trout and salmon
in possession require a trout/salmon validation, unless received as a gift, (see giving
fish on page 33). Trout/salmon stamps are not required for children younger than
18 years old, adults who are 65 and older, people fishing with a 24-hour or 72-hour
license or people who are exempt from fishing license requirements or who receive a
fishing license at no charge.
Walleye Stamp $5
• Purchase of a walleye stamp is voluntary; it is not VOID
© 2023 WALLEYE STAMP

needed for fishing.

• Revenues from the sale of walleye stamps are used for
stocking walleyes purchased from the private sector.
• Walleye stamp validations are printed on the ELS MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

license. Purchasers may request the actual pictorial 2023 Walleye Stamp,
stamp for an additional 75 cents. Melissa Mickelson

Definitions 17
 LICENSE GUIDE
Do I need a fishing license?
To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 through 89, must have a
current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see below “Who doesn’t
need a fishing license?”). You must carry your license when fishing or traveling from an
area where you were fishing. All nonresidents need a license except those younger than
16 do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. More details can be found
on page 20.
Did you buy a 3-year license in 2020?
Three-year angling licenses bought in 2020 are due for renewal.
Who is a resident?
• To qualify as a resident, a person must maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at
least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a license.
• Residents 21 years of age or older must provide a current Minnesota driver’s
license or Minnesota public safety ID card or have a receipt for an application for a
Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota public safety ID that is at least 60 days old.
• A nonresident under age 21 whose parent is a Minnesota resident is considered
a resident.
• New residents must visit a license agent location or call our Licensing office to have
their residency updated before qualifying for resident rates.
Who is a nonresident?
Nonresidents include anyone who does not meet the definition of a resident.
Who doesn’t need a fishing license?
• Residents younger than 16, or residents 90 and older.
• Minnesota residents enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed outside the
state, and home on leave (you must carry leave or furlough papers while fishing or
transporting fish).
• Minnesota residents who have served in federal active service outside the U.S.
during the preceding 24 months who are now discharged from overseas duty (must
carry discharge papers while fishing or transporting fish).
• Anyone not requiring a license is allowed to keep a possession limit of fish.

Licenses by phone. Purchase an e-license today!

Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased via most mobile devices. No more
waiting in line. No more stops on the way to your favorite fishing spot.
Purchasing an e-license on your smartphone or tablet means that you won’t receive
a paper copy of your license. Instead, you elect to receive a text message, email or
both that displays your valid license.
Only fishing and hunting licenses that don’t require a
tag can be purchased as e-licenses. The text or email
confirming your valid license must be presented to
a conservation officer upon request.

mndnr.gov/buyalicense

18 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Do I need a free fishing license?
Anglers who meet certain qualifications can obtain a free license (mndnr.gov/regulations/
fishing/exemptions.html) if they are:
• Foreign exchange students with proof of foreign exchange student status. Available
from any agent.
• Residents 16 and older who have a developmental disability or veterans with a
100 percent service-connected disability. Available only from the DNR by calling
877-348-0498.
• Residents who are legally blind, receiving SSI or SSDI, or receiving worker’s
compensation for total and permanent disability. Must present current letter from
Social Security stating disability or SSI benefits to any license agent to receive free
license. SSI/SSDI benefit verification is available online at socialsecurity.gov, by
calling 800-772-1213 or at your local Social Security office.
• Residents receiving disability benefits under the Federal Railroad Retirement Act or
U.S. Postal Service. Must present proof of disability benefits. Available at any agent.
• Residents of a Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care home, wards of the
Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services, residents of state institutions, or
inpatients of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital. Must use application available
from the DNR (888-646-6367).
Do I need a license to fish in Minnesota State Parks?
Minnesota residents may fish without a license for any species except trout when:
• Shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park.
• Fishing from a boat or on the ice on water bodies that are completely inside the
boundaries of a state park.
• To fish on a designated trout stream or to fish for trout in a state park you must have
a fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp validation.
What if I’m helping a child fish?
If an adult is showing a child younger than 16 how to bait, cast, and remove fish, no
license is needed. The child must hold the rod, set the hook and reel in the fish.
What if I’m helping someone fish who has a developmental disability?
You do not need a license to assist a disabled person, who must have a valid license
unless an exemption applies. You may only fish with the number of lines allowed for all
licensed or exempt anglers fishing.
What if I don’t have a paper license because it was purchased on a mobile device?
Licenses purchased on a mobile device are issued in electronic format. Purchasers
choose to receive an email, text message or both. The email and/or text message
stored electronically on your mobile device serves as your license. You must carry your
mobile device or a printed copy of the email or text message you received when fishing
or traveling from an area where you were fishing.
Can I get a refund?
Check your license for accuracy prior to leaving the license agent location. All sales are final.
Refunds can only be issued if the:
• Licensee dies before the opening of the licensed season;
• Licensee is unable to participate in the licensed activity because the licensee is called
to active military duty or military leave is canceled during the entire open season of
the licensed activity; or
• Licensee purchased two licenses for the same license season in error.

License Guide 19
What are license requirements for nonresident youth?
Nonresidents under 16 may either fish under a parent or guardian’s license (including a
family license) or must purchase a nonresident youth license. If fishing under a family
license or their own youth license, youth may possess their own limit; if fishing under
a parent or guardian’s individual license any fish kept are counted towards the parent’s
possession limit.
What if I lose or can’t find my license?
You can go to any license agent and have them print a duplicate license. The cost is
$2.50, which includes a 50-cent fee charged by the vendor.
What if I’m not a state resident but am a full-time student at a Minnesota school,
college or university?
You may purchase fishing licenses at the resident rate if you reside in Minnesota and
show the license agent a fee statement showing full-time enrollment.
What if I’m not a state resident but serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and am
stationed in Minnesota or the spouse of a Minnesota resident on active
military duty?
By showing proof, you may purchase fishing licenses and stamps at the resident rate.
How can my license be revoked?
• Fishing privileges may be revoked for one year for two or more convictions of
fishing violations in three years. Violations of fishing laws in other states may affect
your ability to fish in Minnesota.
• Violating the gross over-limits penalty provisions can result in privileges being
revoked for three, five or 10 years, depending on the number of fish involved in
the violation.
• Failure to pay fines or to appear in court on a violation can result in revocation of all
game and fish licenses until the fines are paid.
How to Figure Your Bag Limit for a Conservation License
• Applies to bag limits established for inland waters, experimental and special
management waters, and border waters.
• Does not apply to size restrictions, but may only have up to the corresponding bag
limit. For example: a normal limit of five fish with three over 10" for a Conservation
License would be two fish with only one over 10".
• Divide the regular limit in half. If necessary, round down to the nearest whole
number. For example: five fish regular limit would be a two fish conservation limit.
Conservation License Bag Limits

REGULAR DAILY 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 20 25 50
OR POSSESSION fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish
BAG LIMIT
CONSERVATION Catch- 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 10 12 25
DAILY OR and- fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish
POSSESSION release
BAG LIMIT

20 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 SEASONS AND LIMITS—INLAND
AND LAKE SUPERIOR
• All calendar dates are for 2023 unless noted otherwise. Season dates are inclusive
unless otherwise noted.
• Daily and possession limits are the same unless otherwise noted.
• Most species have experimental or special regulations on some waters.
See pages 37-55.
• For Canada, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota border water
regulations see pages 58-68. For Lake Superior see pages 26-28.
• Different limits for Conservation License apply, chart is on page 20.
• Northern pike dark house spearing limits differ, see page 71.
• Some waters are seasonally closed to fishing to protect vulnerable concentrations
of fish. Dates can vary from year to year but will be posted every spring at mndnr.
gov/regulations/fishing.

INLAND WATERS
Inland Seasons and Limits
SPECIES OPEN SEASON ZONE AND ANGLING POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Northern May 13, 2023 - Northeast Zone: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession, all
pike Feb. 25, 2024 from 30-40" must be immediately released)
North-central Zone: 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26"
must be immediately released)
Southern Zone: 2 (minimum size 24")
See Zone Map on page 23 and page 24 for details on how
possession limits apply across zones. Dark house spearing
limits differ, see page 71.

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Walleye and sauger (and May 13, 2023 - Feb. 25, 6 combined total (not
their hybrid) 2024 more than 1 walleye over
20" in possession)
Muskellunge/hybrid June 3 - Dec. 1 1 combined total
muskellunge (minimum size 54")
1 combined total
SIZE EXCEPTION: the following Twin Cities area lakes:
(minimum size 40")
Eagle, Pierson and Wasserman, Carver County; Crystal
and Orchard, Dakota County; Gervais, Island, Johanna,
Phalen and Silver, Ramsey County; Bryant, Bush, Bde
Maka Ska, Cedar, Crystal, Isles, Nokomis and Weaver,
Hennepin County; Cedar, Scott County; Clear and Elmo,
Washington County.

Continued on next page

Seasons and Limits—Inland and Lake Superior 21
Inland Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Largemouth bass—Statewide May 13 - 26 Catch-and-release only
(except Northeast Zone)
May 27, 2023 - Feb. 25, 6 combined total largemouth
2024 or smallmouth bass
Largemouth bass—Northeast May 13, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 6 combined total
Zone (Pelican and Ash lakes largemouth or smallmouth
in St. Louis County are part of bass
the Northeast Zone for bass.
See Zone Map on page 23.)
Smallmouth bass—Statewide May 13 - 26 Catch-and-release only
(except Northeast Zone)
May 27 - Sept. 10 6 combined total largemouth
or smallmouth bass
Sept. 11, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 Catch-and-release only
Smallmouth bass— May 13, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 6 combined total largemouth
Northeast Zone or smallmouth bass
Crappie (white or black and Continuous 10 combined total
their hybrids)
Sunfish Continuous 20 combined total
(bluegill, pumpkinseed,
green, orangespotted,
northern, warmouth,
and their hybrids)
Rock bass Continuous 30
White bass Continuous 30
Catfish Channel catfish: continuous 5 combined total. No more
(channel and flathead) than 2 can be flathead (only 1
Flathead catfish:
catfish over 24")
April 1 - Nov. 30
Perch Continuous 20 daily, 40 in possession
Whitefish, cisco (tullibee), Continuous No limit
and burbot. Sport netting
EXCEPTION: On Leech
regulations effective each
Lake Indian Reservation
fall are available on the
whitefish limit 25 and cisco
DNR website.
(tullibee) limit 50.
Rough fish not including Continuous No limit
bullhead nor gar (definition
on page 12).
Bullhead Continuous 100

⁕NEW—Gar Continuous 10

Smelt Continuous No limit

Continued on next page

22 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Inland Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Lake or shovelnose Same dates every year: Catch-and-release only; no
sturgeon (See pages 58-68 June 16 - April 14 tag needed.
for other sturgeon waters
and regulations.)
Paddlefish No open season
Lake trout (SUMMER) May 13 - Sept. 30 2
Statewide
Lake trout (WINTER) 2023 Season: 2
Outside or partly outside the Jan. 14 - March 31
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
2024 Season:
Wilderness (BWCAW).
Jan. 13 - March 31
Lakes entirely within the 2023 Season: 2
BWCAW. Dec. 31, 2022 -
March 31, 2023
2024 Season:
Dec. 30, 2023 -
March 31, 2024

Northern Pike Possession Limits for Inland Waters

The state is divided into three zones for northern pike—Northeast, North-central, and
Southern—each with a specific regulation for angling and for spearing. Waters with
special regulations (pages 37-55), and border waters (pages 58-68), are not covered
by the zone regulations and the special regulation is in effect for both spearing and
angling. Details can be found at mndnr.gov/pike.

Zone Map
The Northeast Zone is defined as
H
! north and east of U.S. Highway 53
from Duluth to International Falls.
International Falls

Northeast Zone North-central/Southern

£
¤
53
Boundary: from the South
Dakota Border—State Highway 7
North-Central Zone at Ortonville—east past
Duluth !
H
Hutchinson, south on State
Highway 22 to Glencoe, east
on U.S. Highway 212 to Chaska,
¬
«5 south on State Highway 41
"
) "
) to the Minnesota River to
61 1
Ortonville ¬
«
41
H
!
£
¤
212 H
!
Montevideo Hutchinson
Chaska the Mississippi River to the
H
! ¬
«
7
H
! £
¤
10
Wisconsin border.
¬
22H£
! ¤
«Glencoe
212 H
!
Chaska

The waters of the Minnesota or Mississippi

Southern Zone
rivers where those waters create the
North-central/Southern Boundary are
included in the Southern Zone.

Seasons and Limits—Inland and Lake Superior12/13/2017 23

What is the statewide possession limit for northern pike?
The maximum number of northern pike that you may possess is 10 fish. Zone possession
limits apply to where the fish was harvested, not where it is possessed. For example,
if you live in the North-central zone you cannot possess seven pike caught locally and
three caught from the Southern zone.
How do possession limits apply to lakes with special regulations on
northern pike?
If the possession limit on a special regulation lake or stream is different than the zone
limit, the special regulation limit applies. For example, if the special regulation limit
is less than the statewide regulation, you may only have one daily limit from that lake
included in your possession limit.

TROUT—BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW

The following regulations apply to stream trout species (brook, brown, rainbow)
and their hybrids living in lakes and streams. They do not include lake trout which
are listed under Inland Waters (page 23). Lake Superior tributaries (pages 26-28)
and Experimental and Special Regulations (pages 37-55) are also not covered in
this section.
Calendar dates refer to 2023 unless noted otherwise. Daily and possession limits are
the same.
Learn more about trout fishing at mndnr.gov/fishing/trout.
General Regulations
• Fishing hours for stream trout on inland waters are from one hour before sunrise
to 11 p.m.
• Only one line is allowed winter or summer when fishing on designated stream trout
lakes and designated trout streams.
• For legal tackle, more details can be found on page 29.
• Possessing live minnows or using them for bait on designated stream trout lakes
is prohibited. Only dried, frozen, or pickled (brined) minnows are allowed. Live
leeches, worms, and wax worms are legal to use.
• Possessing and using live minnows (and other live bait) is allowed on most trout
streams. However, some streams have specific bait restrictions, check pages 52-56.
• Taking of any species, including catch-and-release angling, in designated trout
waters is prohibited outside of an open season for trout. Any season where trout
can be targeted (harvest or catch-and-release) is considered an open season.
• Taking minnows or leeches from designated trout waters, except under special
permit, is prohibited.
• All stream trout must have head, tail, fins, and skin intact when being transported.
• Rough fish may not be taken by spear, harpoon, archery, or dip net in designated
trout lakes or streams. However, dark house spearing (page 71) is allowed for
northern pike and catfish.
• The list of Designated Trout Lakes can be found on the DNR website
mndnr.gov/fishing/trout_lakes/list.html
Continued on next page

24 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Streams)
WATERS OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Streams—Southeast Minnesota Jan. 1 - April 14 Catch-and-release only
Includes Houston, Fillmore,
Mower, Dodge, Olmsted,
Winona, Wabasha, and Goodhue
counties. April 15 - Sept. 14 5 combined total
(not more than 1 over 16")
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 Catch-and-release only
Jan. 1, 2024 - Catch-and-release only
April 14, 2024

EXCEPTIONS: Within these Sept. 15, 2022 - Catch-and-release only

state parks: Beaver Creek April 14, 2023
Valley (East Beaver Creek);
Forestville (Forestville Creek,
Canfield Creek, South Branch
Root River) and Whitewater
(Middle Branch Whitewater April 15 - Sept. 14 5 combined total (not more
River, Trout Run Creek). Also than 1 over 16"). See special
within city boundaries of regulations for these streams,
Chatfield, Lanesboro, Preston, pages 52-55.
Rushford, and Spring Valley. Sept. 15, 2023 - Catch-and-release only
April 12, 2024
Streams—Statewide Except April 15 - Sept. 30 5 combined total
Southeast Minnesota (not more than 1 over 16")

Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Lakes)

WATERS OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Lakes (SUMMER) May 13 - Oct. 31 5 combined total
Statewide (not more than 3 over 16")
Lakes (WINTER) 2023 Season:
Outside or partly outside the Jan. 14 - March 31 5 combined total
BWCAW (not more than 3 over 16")
2024 Season:
Jan. 13 - March 31
Lakes entirely within the 2023 Season: Dec. 31,
BWCAW 2022 - March 3, 2023 5 combined total
2024 Season: Dec. 30, (not more than 3 over 16")
2023 - March 31, 2024
Lakes Winter season closed
EXCEPTIONS: for stream trout.
Little Andrus (Snowshoe),
Cass County; Allen and
Pleasant, Crow Wing County;
Bad Medicine, Becker County.

Seasons and Limits—Inland and Lake Superior 25

 LAKE SUPERIOR AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
The following regulations clarify the fishing seasons and limits for Lake Superior and the
streams and rivers flowing into it. While fishing Minnesota waters, anglers must follow
Minnesota regulations.
Licensing
Anyone fishing on the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior must possess a Minnesota
angling license and a Minnesota trout/salmon stamp validation except as listed on
page 18. You need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish on Wisconsin waters of Lake
Superior but you may fish the St. Louis River Estuary with a Minnesota fishing license.
Location
• There are two sets of fishing regulations for Lake Superior and its tributaries based
on whether you are above or below a posted boundary, which corresponds to
areas accessible to migratory fish. A list of boundary locations on tributaries can
be found on the DNR website or by contacting an Area Fisheries Office along the
North Shore.
• Some tributary streams have special regulations. Additionally, some streams
have sanctuary areas closed to fishing, including the French, Knife, Lester, Devil
Track and Kadunce rivers, and Gauthier Creek. (See Experimental and Special
Regulations, pages 52-55.)
• Angling from boats is closed October 9 - November 30 on the portion of Lake
Superior from the outermost portion of the north arm of the Duluth ship canal to
the mouth of Chester Creek.
Hours
Angling hours on Lake Superior tributaries below the posted boundaries are from one
hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Exceptions are the St. Louis River Estuary
(St. Louis and Carlton counties) and the Pigeon River (Cook County).
Methods
• Anglers are restricted to a single hook or fly only—no treble hooks—on Lake Superior
tributary streams and rivers below the posted boundaries. Exceptions are the
St. Louis River (St. Louis and Carlton counties) and the Pigeon River (Cook County).
• No more than two lines may be used on Lake Superior, except only one line may be
used within 100 yards of the mouth of any flowing stream.
• On Lake Superior tributaries below the posted boundaries, a fish that is hooked in any
part of the body, except the mouth, must be immediately returned to the water.
Possession and Transportation
• Unclipped steelhead (rainbow trout) must be
immediately released on Lake Superior and its Clipped adipose fin
tributaries. A clipped adipose fin, used to identify
Adipose fin
stocked trout, must show a healed scar (see
(no rays)
diagram right). Marking, tagging, or fin clipping Healed
fish and then releasing them without a DNR scar
permit is unlawful.

Continued on next page

26 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Possession and Transportation continued
• While fishing or while on the water, trout, salmon, muskellunge, and catfish must be
transported with head and tails intact.
• While transporting fish on land, 1) rainbow, brown and brook trout, and splake must
be transported with head and tail intact; and 2) salmon, lake trout, and walleye
may be filleted but must retain a 1-inch square patch of skin with scales. See pages
33‑34 for additional general information on transporting fish.
• Rough fish or other species not named in the Lake Superior (page 26) section are
subject to inland regulations.
Taking of Smelt
• Smelt may be taken night or day. Artificial lights may not be used to lure or attract
smelt. There is no limit on smelt, and smelt from Lake Superior may be bought or
sold; however, live smelt may not be possessed or transported.
• Dip nets may be used for taking smelt. Minnow seines not more than 25 feet long
or 4 feet deep may be used to take smelt in the St. Louis River and in Lake Superior
when more than 100 feet from the mouth of any stream.
• Taking of smelt at any time is prohibited in the following Lake Superior Tributaries:
French River, Sucker River, Little Sucker River (St. Louis County); Silver Creek,
Encampment Creek, Crow Creek (Lake County).
Taking of Smelt and Cisco (Tullibee), and Trout Eggs, for Bait
• Anglers may take cisco (tullibee) or smelt from Lake Superior or its tributaries
below the posted boundaries to use as bait only on Lake Superior.
• To use cisco (tullibee) or smelt taken from Lake Superior or its tributaries as
bait on other water bodies, the fish must be preserved under a DNR-issued
bait preservation permit. Permit applications are available from the DNR,
500 Lafayette, St. Paul, MN 55155‑4026. Freezing is not a preservation method.
• No other fish species from Lake Superior or its tributaries below the posted
boundaries, or the St. Louis River downstream of the Fond du Lac dam, may be used
as bait except trout eggs (see next bullet).
• Eggs of trout harvested from Lake Superior or its tributaries below the posted
boundaries may be used as bait (spawn bags). Spawn bags from Lake Superior trout
may only be used on Lake Superior and its tributaries below the posted boundaries,
and no other waters in the state.
• Spawn bags can be bought or sold only if they are made from either 1) fish eggs
from a licensed aquaculture facility; or 2) fish eggs taken from a source outside
Minnesota that has been certified disease free and are preserved and labeled
under a Minnesota bait preservation permit. These spawn bags may only be used in
Lake Superior and tributaries below posted boundaries.
Guide Licenses
A guide’s license is required to operate a charter boat for the purpose of guiding
or assisting anglers on the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior and the St. Louis
River Estuary. More information: mndnr.gov/licenses/commercial

Seasons and Limits—Inland and Lake Superior 27

Lake Superior and Tributaries Below Posted Boundaries
Including St. Louis River Estuary below the Minnesota–Wisconsin boundary cable and
Lake Superior tributaries with no posted boundaries.
Calendar dates refer to 2023 unless noted otherwise. If fishing the St. Louis River Estuary
and species are not listed below see Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters regulations
(page 66). Otherwise, see inland waters regulations (page 21) for any species not listed.

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT SIZE LIMIT

Brook trout and splake April 15 - Sept. 4 1 (combined total brook Minimum size
trout, splake, brown trout limit 20"
and rainbow trout is 5).
Rainbow trout—clipped Continuous 3 (combined total brook Minimum size
trout, splake, brown trout limit 16"
and rainbow trout is 5).
Rainbow trout— Continuous Catch-and-release only
unclipped

Brown trout Continuous 5 (combined total brook Minimum size

trout, splake, brown trout limit 10". Only 1
and rainbow trout is 5). over 16".
Lake trout Dec. 1, 2022 - 3
Oct. 8, 2023
Dec. 1, 2023 -
Oct. 6, 2024
Salmon (Chinook, coho, Continuous 5 combined total (only 1 Minimum size
pink, and Atlantic) can be Atlantic salmon) limit 10"
Walleye May 13, 2023 - 2 Minimum size
March 1, 2024 limit 15"
Northern pike May 13, 2023 - 2
March 1, 2024
Smelt Continuous No limit

Lake or shovelnose Same dates

sturgeon Includes every year:
Lake Superior and the June 16 - Catch-and-release only;
St. Louis River. (See April 14 no tag needed.
pages 59-68 for other
sturgeon waters and
regulations.)

Lake Superior Tributaries Above Posted Boundaries

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT SIZE LIMIT
Brook and April 15 - Sept. 30 5 combined total Not more than 1
brown trout over 16"
Rainbow trout April 15 - Sept. 30 Catch-and-release only

28 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 GENERAL REGULATIONS
TACKLE AND LINES
How many lines can I fish with?
• You may use only one line during the open water season.
• You may use two lines through the ice except on designated trout lakes and streams.
• On designated trout lakes and streams, only one line is allowed at any time.
• More than one line may be allowed on border waters (page 58) and Lake Superior
(page 26).
How many hooks can I use on the end of my line?
• Only one artificial bait/lure or one single tackle configuration can be used at the end
of your line for it to be considered a single line.
• Up to three single- or multiple-pronged hooks may be used as a single tackle
configuration but the total distance between hooks cannot exceed 9" (see below).
• “Umbrella” style rigs may be used provided only one wire contains hooks. The other
wires may include lures/baits but cannot contain hooks.
• You may use up to three artificial flies on one fishing line when you are fishing for
bass, crappie, rock bass, sunfish, or trout. There are no restrictions on distance
between the flies.
• Unless fishing on a designated trout stream or lake, you may add one additional
“stinger” hook on a line as part of a single artificial lure or bait. The “stinger” hook
must be within 3" of the artificial lure/bait.

Single Tackle Configuration Example

Combined length cannot exceed 9"
9"

Artificial Lure/Baits Examples

©MNDNR

General Regulations 29
 BAIT
Can I use bait in Minnesota waters?
• You can fish with a variety of live or dead bait including worms, night crawlers, insects
and larvae. If you are fishing with minnows or leeches, a number of restrictions apply.
• If you choose to keep your bait when done fishing, you must exchange water in
bait buckets with tap or bottled water prior to leaving any water body, except when
you are fishing through the ice. The exception for ice fishing does not apply when
fishing on Lake Superior.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. It is illegal to release bait into Minnesota
lakes and rivers. All earthworms are non-native and can damage forests if released.
• You can’t use whole or parts of game fish, goldfish, carp, or salamanders (including
mudpuppies) for bait. See page 27 for Lake Superior exceptions.
What are the rules for taking and transporting live minnows and leeches?
• You can't import live minnows or leeches into Minnesota.
• Dead bait may only be imported if it comes from a waterbody tested negative for
Viral Hemmorhagic Septicemia (VHS) with a negative fish health certification or
has been preserved under a DNR bait preservation permit issued to a commercial
license. All imported dead bait must be labeled and the labeling kept on your person
while angling (see website for examples).
• You can take an unlimited number of minnows and leeches with an angling license
for personal use; however you may not transport more than 12 dozen at one
time without a commercial minnow license. All minnows and leeches must be
transported in tap/well or bottled water.
Where can I harvest minnows and leeches?
You can take them from all waters of the state where you can legally access the
water except:
• Within the boundaries of state parks.
• Within designated trout waters, except under permit.
• Most aquatic invasive species infested waters. See mndnr.gov/AIS for a current list.
• All streams and connected waters in Lincoln, Pipestone, Murray, Rock and Nobles
counties south of U.S. Highway 14 and west of U.S. Highway 59 to the South
Dakota border.
• A harvest permit is required to take madtoms and stonecats in Dodge, Freeborn
and Mower counties.
Can I harvest bait from infested waters?
• Minnows and leeches may be taken for personal use from waters infested solely with
Eurasian watermilfoil using a cylindrical trap not exceeding 16" in diameter and 32"
long. At these waters, harvested bait may only be used on the water where taken. The
harvest and use of bait from other infested waters is prohibited.
• Within infested streams and rivers (except for the St. Louis River Estuary), bullhead,
sucker, mooneye, goldeye, and freshwater drum may be taken by hook and line
for personal use as bait on the same water. Harvested bait may not be transported
live from the river or stream. Where a river or stream is divided by barriers such as
dams, fish for bait must be caught and used on the same section.
• You can obtain a DNR permit at mndnr.gov/fishing to take gizzard shad by cast net
for personal use as bait for fishing from Minnesota portions of the Mississippi River
Continued on next page
30 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 downstream of St. Anthony Falls, the Minnesota River downstream of Granite Falls,
and the St. Croix River downstream of the dam at Taylors Falls.
How can I take minnows and leeches?
You can use dip nets, seines and traps. See restrictions below:
• Seines may not be longer than 25 feet nor have bar mesh greater than 1 ⁄4". If the
bar mesh is between 3 ⁄16" and 1 ⁄4", the seine may not be taller than 37", otherwise the
seine may not be taller than 48".
• Traps dimensions may not exceed 30" in length, 30" in width, nor 15" in height. The
diameter of the opening may not exceed 11 ⁄2", and the mesh size may not exceed 1 ⁄2"
bar measure. Traps must have a waterfproof tag bearing the name and address of
the owner.
• You cannot use throw nets (cast nets) without a DNR permit (see page 30).
When do I need to get a commercial license to take and sell minnows and leeches?
• If you want to transport more than 12 dozen.
• If you want to sell minnows or leeches at retail or wholesale.
What are the rules for live suckers?
Suckers 12" and shorter are considered minnows and regular bait rules for minnows
apply. However, suckers longer than 12" may only be transported alive if they are in
containers that are not livewells or other parts of a boat and only if bought from a
licensed commercial vendor. You must have a valid sales receipt from the vendor on
your person.
What are the rules for live bullheads?
• Live bullheads may not be transported north of Minnesota Highway 210.
• Bullheads less than 7" in length are considered minnows and may be possessed in
any quantity south of Minnesota Highway 210. Bullheads must be transported in a
container with a locking lid.
• You may take and possess bullheads, 7-10" in length, for use as live bait. They are
counted as part of your daily and possession limit of 100.
• Legal methods of taking bullheads are dip net, angling or minnow seines.
What is restricted bait and can I harvest and use it?
• Restricted bait includes cisco (tullibee) less than 7", smelt, and VHS-susceptible
species (such as fathead minnows, bluntnose minnows, spottail shiners, and emerald
shiners).
• For restricted bait rules on Lake Superior and tributaries, see page 26.
• Live restricted bait must have been purchased from a licensed retailer (retain proof
of purchase) or come from a VHS-free source.
• Dead restricted bait can only be used if it was harvested from a waterbody
tested for VHS with a negative fish health certification, a VHS free zone
(see mndnr.gov/bait/dead), or has been preserved and labeled under a bait
preservation permit issued to a commercial license.
• All restricted dead bait must be labeled and the labeling kept on your person
while angling (see www.dnr.state.mn.us/bait/dead.html for examples).
• Freezing is not a bait preservation method because freezing doesn’t kill VHS.
Where can I get more information about bait?
Check the Other Species section of the online regulations or contact the Minnesota
DNR Information Center at 888-MINNDNR, or go to mndnr.gov/bait

General Regulations 31
 METHODS
What if people are fishing together from a boat or on shore?
• A party is two or more people fishing together from a single watercraft or on shore
while maintaining unaided visual and vocal contact.
• The number of fish your party possesses can’t be more than the combined limits
of all party members. You may not transport more than your individual daily or
possession limit.
What fishing methods are illegal?
• Intentionally fishing for a species during its closed season.
• Using an artificial light to lure, attract or spot fish. However, you may use a lighted
artificial lure. Batteries used in lighted fishing lures must not contain mercury.
• Leaving your fishing line with hooks attached in the water unattended. Receiving
electronic notifications is not considered attending your fishing line.
• Using explosives, firearms, chemicals (not including a scented bait), spring (or
automatic hook setting) devices that impale or hook fish, or electricity to take fish.
• Taking fish by hand (noodling) or by snagging.

POSSESSION
How many fish can I keep?
• Your daily and possession limits are the same unless otherwise noted. Some lakes
have reduced daily limits but statewide possession limits (pages 37-55) which means
an angler can keep one limit per day from that lake but can't exceed the statewide
possession limit (pages 21-23) at any time.
• A fish is in your possession once you have caught and kept it. Your possession limit
includes any fish you have kept that day plus any fish in storage from a previous day.
• Processed fish (e.g. pickled, smoked) still count towards your limit.
• Culling (page 12) is allowed in most waters except North Dakota border waters and
Mille Lacs (except bass may be culled), until you reach your daily or possession limit.
• Once you reach your daily or possession limit for a species, you may keep fishing
but all fish of that species must be immediately released and no culling is allowed.
If fishing is good you may want to stay below your limit to accommodate keeping a
deeply hooked, legal sized fish.
What are length limits?
Some waters have fish length restrictions, such as slot limits, minimum size limits, or
one-over the size limit. See page 12 for definitions.
You can’t possess any fish outside the legal length limits of the waters on which you are
traveling or fishing, unless all of the following conditions are true: 1) The fish was legally
taken from a connected water body or packaged by a licensed fish packer; 2) You are
traveling back to your lodging or docking and taking the most direct route; and 3) You are
not fishing while you are in transit.
What if I’ve caught fish on waters with size restrictions different from statewide
regulations?
• Unless you are in the act of preparing the fish for a meal, any kept fish with
size restrictions different than statewide regulations may not be filleted.
Continued on next page
32 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 Kept fish must still have their heads, tails, fins, and skin intact so they can be
measured and counted. Carcasses count toward your possession limit until you
dispose of them.
• You may eat legal sized fish while on the ice, docked, or moored to shore but you
must retain the carcass including the head, dorsal fin, and tail. Any fish caught and
eaten on the same day count toward your daily limit.
Can I give away fish that I’ve kept?
If you have kept a fish and want to transfer it as a gift, it must be accompanied by a
receipt that must remain with the gift. The person receiving the gift can’t possess
more than the statewide limit including your gift. The receipt must contain all of the
following information:
• Name and address of the owner.
• Name and address of recipient.
• Date of transfer.
• Description of the gift (number and species).
• License number (DNR number or transaction number) under which the fish was taken.

TRANSPORTATION
Can I transport live fish I caught (other than bait)?
No, fish being harvested may not be transported in enough water to keep them
alive. You can't transfer live fish or fish eggs from one body of water to another.
What about fish for an aquarium?
If you are older than 16, you can transport live fish for display in a home aquarium
only if you purchase the fish from an aquaculture licensee and have proof of purchase.
Youth age 16 and younger can legally transport certain live fish for display in a home
aquarium if:
• They have legally caught the fish from among the following species: largemouth,
smallmouth or rock bass; yellow perch; crappie; bluegill, pumpkinseed, green or
orange-spotted sunfish; black, yellow, and brown bullhead.
• No more than four fish of each species are transported at any one time.
• All fish are 10" or less in length.
• Fish are not transported in water taken from any lake or stream. You must bring
bottled or tap water for transport.
How do I prepare fish I’ve caught for transport?
• You must package and transport fish in such a way that they can be readily unwrapped,
separated, identified and counted.
• A fish may not be cut into more than two fillets.
• If you are transporting lake sturgeon, muskellunge, catfish, splake or brook, brown
and rainbow trout, you must transport them with the head and tail intact so the fish
can be measured.
• Bullhead, sunfish and crappie may be filleted without leaving a patch of skin.
• Fillets from all other species must have a 1-inch square patch of skin with scales
intact from a portion of the body other than the belly, unless they are packaged by
a licensed fish packer.
• Sauger without head and tail intact will be counted as walleye unless they are
packaged by a licensed fish packer. Continued on next page
General Regulations 33
One of the best ways to transport your fish
so they can be counted and identified is in
clear plastic freezer bags.
Fillets and dressed fish must show at least
a 1-inch square patch of skin with scales so
fish species can be identified.
See page 32 or 37 for waters with special
or experimental regulations.

OTHER SPECIES
Threatened and Endangered Species
You can’t take or possess any state-endangered or threatened species, including
skipjack herring, crystal darter, pallid shiner, slender madtom, gravel chub, plains
topminnow, black buffalo, pugnose shiner, paddlefish, Blanchard’s cricket frog,
Blanding’s turtle, wood turtle, or endangered or threatened mussels, unless you have
an endangered species permit.
Crayfish
Can I take my own crayfish?
Yes, people with a fishing license and children younger than 16 can take and possess
up to 25 pounds of live crayfish for personal use. However, you cannot possess red
swamp crayfish, as they are a prohibited invasive species (more details on page 8).
A permit is needed to sell crayfish or take/possess more than 25 pounds of crayfish.
More information can be found at mndnr.gov/fishing/commercial.
When can I take crayfish?
From April 1 to November 30. Traps may be left overnight but may only be tended from
one hour before sunrise through one hour after sunset.
Where can I use crayfish as bait?
• Crayfish may not be used for bait in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway north or
upstream of the St. Croix Boom Site boat launch, or within Voyageurs National Park.
• Except as noted above, preserved crayfish may be used in all waters of the state and
live crayfish may only be used in the water where they were captured.
Frogs and Salamanders
Can I take my own frogs?
In most cases, yes:
• People with a fishing license and children younger than 16 can take, use, buy and sell
an unlimited number of frogs up to 6" long for bait.
• A special frog license is required to take frogs for any purpose other than bait.
• You must have an endangered species permit to possess Blanchard’s cricket frogs.
When can I take frogs for bait?
From May 16 to March 31 the following year.
Can I release frogs or tadpoles?
No. Unused frogs or tadpoles can’t be released in any Minnesota water.

34 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Can I use salamanders (including mudpuppies) as bait?
No. Salamanders are protected wild animals and cannot be used as bait. Several
salamander species including mudpuppies are species of special concern.
Mussels (Clams)
Can I take live mussels?
No. State law prohibits the harvest of live mussels. Twenty-four of Minnesota’s 51 native
mussel species are endangered or threatened.
Can I take dead mussel shells?
People with a fishing license and children younger than 16 may hand-pick or possess
up to 24 whole shells or 48 half shells from dead mussels of species that are not
endangered or threatened.
• Shell collection is allowed from May 16 through the last day in February the
following year.
• You can’t take mussel shells from the St. Croix River.
• You can’t possess zebra mussels.
• Mussel shells can’t be bought or sold.
Turtles
Can I take my own turtles?
Residents with a resident fishing license can take, possess and transport snapping and
western painted turtles for personal use.
What kind of turtles can I take?
• Western painted: between 4 and 5½" in shell length, possession limit three. Turtles
used in turtle races may be any length greater than 4".
• Snapping: minimum size is 12" in shell length, possession limit is three. Season is
from July 1 through April 30 the following year.
• All other species of turtles may only be purchased from a commercial vendor.
What about turtle races?
Residents younger than 18 may take, possess, and rent or sell up to 25 turtles for use in
a non-profit turtle race. Each turtle must be greater than 4" in length.
How do you measure turtle shell length?
Measure the top shell length (the hard upper shell of the turtle) from above the neck to
above the tail. The measuring device should measure a straight line above the curvature
of the shell.
How can I take turtles?
If you want to use traps, nets or other commercial equipment, you will need a
recreational turtle license in addition to an angling license.
You may not use firearms,
bows, spears, impaling objects, explosives, drugs, poisons, lime or other harmful
substances to take turtles.
Can I take turtle eggs?
A DNR permit is required to take turtle eggs.
Can I release turtles in Minnesota?
No. Unused or unwanted turtles can’t be released in any Minnesota water.
Where do I get a recreational turtle license?
Licenses and permit applications are available from the Minnesota DNR,
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155-4026. Phone 877-348-0498.

General Regulations 35
 ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
• If you catch a fish (including rough fish) and you don’t intend to use it for anything,
you must return it immediately back into the water alive. You can’t waste a fish by
discarding it, or any part of it, on the ice, on the bank, or into the water.
• You can’t dispose of any rubbish (including parts of fish or other animals), or
chemicals into public waters, or on shore.
• You can’t deposit fish parts or other material (chum) into waters to attract fish.
• You can’t possess or transport white perch, ruffe, round goby, black carp, bighead
carp, grass carp or silver carp, unless you are taking them to a DNR office. If you
catch a black, bighead, grass or silver carp, see page 8.
• You can’t buy or sell game fish, whitefish, or cisco (tullibee) unless you buy fish from
a commercial, private hatchery, or aquatic farm licensee.
• You can't release bait (including worms) anywhere in Minnesota. All unwanted bait
should be disposed of in the trash.
See page 9 for boat and trailer transport restrictions.

PERMITS
A Minnesota DNR permit is required to:
• Transplant aquatic plants, apply chemicals and perform certain types of cutting to
control vegetation in any public water.
• Mark or tag fish and then release them.
• Harvest minnows from designated trout lakes or streams or from most
infested waters.
• Conduct some fishing contests.
A permit from the county sheriff is required for most organized events on the water or
ice, including fishing contests.
Find more information at mndnr.gov/permits or contact your regional Fisheries Office
(page 85).

Federal aid in sport fish restoration

Minnesota’s rich outdoor heritage is enjoyed by all. When you
purchase a fishing rod, reel, or most any other sporting gear,
you pay a federal excise tax. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
grants that money back to the states using a formula based
on fishing licenses sold and the state’s land area. These funds
support fish population monitoring, research, habitat projects,
and efforts related to angler access, recruitment, and retention.

36 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 SPECIAL REGULATIONS
INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT LAKES
A number of lakes in Minnesota are managed under both treaties and DNR regulations.
Angling harvest on these intensive management lakes may change throughout the
year to maintain sustainable fish populations. If regulations change, information will be
posted at public boat ramps, the DNR website, and in newspapers.
Mille Lacs Lake including tributaries to posted boundaries (Aitkin, Crow Wing and Mille Lacs
counties). Regulations for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tullibee, and other
fish species will be posted at public access sites and the DNR website at mndnr.gov/
millelacslake.
Red Lake, Upper including Shotley Brook and Tamarac River (Beltrami County). Those
portions of Red Lake located within the Red Lake Indian Reservation are closed to
non-band members except by special authorization of the tribal council.
• Northern pike: all from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit
three, only one over 40" allowed.
• Walleye: Restrictions or changes will be posted at public access sites and on the
DNR website. A person’s statewide possession limit may not include more than the
current daily limit of Red Lake walleye.

WATERS WITH EXPERIMENTAL AND

SPECIAL REGULATIONS
These regulations differ from statewide or border water regulations and take
precedence. Unless otherwise stated, all general regulations, seasons, limits, border
water regulations, possession, and transportation regulations apply to these waters. If
you want to keep fish with special or experimental size restrictions, the fish must remain
intact to verify it is of legal size until you are preparing to eat the fish. Regulations are
posted at access sites but be sure to also check other sections of this booklet and other
states’ regulations when on border waters. Note: some regulations specify a daily limit
for the lake and others specify a possession limit. See definitions on page 12.
These regulations are intended to improve fishing quality or provide unique
opportunities. The DNR regularly evaluates the regulations and needs your compliance
to ensure success.

National Wildlife Refuges may have differing regulations

Please check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 612-713-5360.

Voyageurs National Park

In response to the threat of invasive species introductions, the park only allows
artificial bait in the interior lakes and prohibits the use of privately owned watercraft
and the landing of float planes in these lakes. These regulations do not apply to Rainy,
Kabetogama, Namakan, Crane, and Sand Point lakes. Contact Voyageurs National Park
for more information: 218-283-6600.

Special Regulations 37
Lakes (County)
A immediately
AGNES LAKE (Douglas) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 12-20" must be
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
AITKIN LAKE including area known as Aitkin Flowage (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
ALEXANDER LAKE (Morrison) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
AMELIA LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
ANDREW LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
ANDRUSIA LAKE (Beltrami) See Cass Lake Chain.
ANN LAKE (Carver) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only. Northern pike: all from
24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
ANNIE BATTLE LAKE including inlet to Molly Stark Lake and outlet to Blanche Lake
(Otter Tail) Use of gas and electric motors, powered augers, and other electronic
fish-finding devices is prohibited. Sunfish: daily limit five. Northern pike, largemouth
and smallmouth bass: catch-and-release only. Crappie: possession limit five.
ARROWHEAD LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
ASH LAKE (St. Louis) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".

B BALM LAKE (Beltrami) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
BALSAM LAKE (Itasca) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
BASS LAKE near Cohasset (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BASS LAKE near Underwood (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BASS LAKE near Burtrum north of Long Lake (Todd) Walleye: possession limit two.
Largemouth bass: possession limit one. Northern pike: possession limit three, all larger
than 26" must be immediately released.
BASSWOOD LAKE (Lake) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36". Protected slot and possession limit applies to
all Minnesota waters of Basswood Lake.
BATTLE LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
⁕NEW—BATTLE LAKE, West (Otter Tail) Northern pike: special regulation repealed.
BEAR CREEK RESERVOIR (Chester Woods) (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County
Area Lakes.
BEAR HEAD LAKE (St. Louis) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BEAR LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BEAUTY LAKE (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BECKER LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
⁕NEW—BELTRAMI LAKE (Beltrami) See Turtle River chain of lakes (page 51).
BERTHA LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
BEUBER LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BIG BASS LAKE (Beltrami) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit five.

38 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 BIG FLOYD LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BIG LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BIG MANTRAP (Hubbard) Crappie: daily limit five. Northern pike: all from 24‑36" must
be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
BIG MARINE LAKE (Washington) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
BIG PINE LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10. Walleye: all from 18-26" must be
immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
BIG PORTAGE LAKE and connected Rice and Deep Portage lakes (Cass) Crappie: daily
limit five. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
BIG RICE LAKE (Beltrami) See Cass Chain.
BIG SAND LAKE (Hubbard) Walleye: all from 20-28" must be immediately released. One
over 28" allowed in possession.
BIG SANDY LAKE and connected waters (Aitkin): Aitkin Lake including area known as
Aitkin Flowage, Davis Lake including bay known as Steamboat Lake, Flowage Lake, Sandy
River Lake, Prairie River from confluence with Tamarack River downstream to confluence
with Big Sandy Lake, Sandy River from State Highway 210 downstream to confluence
with the Mississippi River, and West Savanna River from County Highway 14 downstream
to confluence with the Prairie River. Sunfish: daily limit five. Walleye: all less than 14" or
greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
BIG SWAN LAKE (Todd) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit six, only one over 36".
BIG TROUT LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
BIRCH LAKE RESERVOIR including the South Kawishiwi River upstream to the first
rapids north of Minnesota Highway 1 bridge (St. Louis) Northern pike: all from 24-36"
must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
BLACKDUCK LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BLACKDUCK LAKE (St. Louis) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
BLACK BASS LAKE (Mille Lacs) Use of gas or electric augers, underwater cameras, and
other electronic fish-finding devices is prohibited. Largemouth and smallmouth bass:
catch‑and-release only. Northern pike: catch-and-release only. Sunfish: daily limit five.
BLACKWELL LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
BLUEBERRY LAKE (Wadena) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
BOLFING LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
BORDEN LAKE (Crow Wing) Sunfish: daily limit five. Crappie: daily limit five.
BOY LAKE and connected Swift Lake (Cass) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily
limit 10.
BUCK LAKE near Burtrum (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
BUFFALO LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five.

C CAMPBELL LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.

⁕NEW—CARIBOU LAKE (Itasca) Lake Trout: minimum size limit 20". Possession
limit one.
CARNELIAN LAKE (Stearns) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CASCADE LAKE (Cascade Ponds) (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County
Area Lakes.
Special Regulations 39
 CASS CHAIN including connecting waters Wolf, Ose, Andrusia, Big Lake Creek, Mississippi
River, Cass, Fox Creek, Pike Bay, Windigo, Buck, Big Rice, Little Rice, Kitchi, Turtle River,
and Pug Hole (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CEDAR LAKE (Morrison) Walleye: possession limit two. Crappie: daily limit five.
Northern pike: possession limit three, all larger than 26" must be immediately released.
CEDAR LAKE north of Sauk Centre (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CEDAR ISLAND LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
CENTER LAKE, North and South (Chisago) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
CENTERVILLE LAKE (Anoka) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CHARLEY LAKE (Ramsey) Closed to fishing.
CHILD LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
CHISAGO LAKE (Chisago) Largemouth bass: all 12" and larger must be immediately released.
CHRISTINA LAKE (Douglas) Closed to fishing.
CLAMSHELL LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
CLEAR LAKE (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
CLEAR LAKE (Waseca) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: catch-and-release only.
CLITHERALL LAKE (Otter Tail) Smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
COON LAKE (Anoka) Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
COON-SANDWICK LAKE (Itasca) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
CRANE LAKE including Vermilion Gorge and Echo River from mouth upstream to County
Highway 424 bridge (St. Louis) Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released.
One over 26" allowed in possession. Walleye and sauger: possession limit six combined,
only four may be walleye.
CRAWFORD LAKE (Wright) Largemouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
CROOKED LAKE (Anoka) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.
CROOKED LAKE and connected Welsh Lake (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CROOKED LAKE (Stearns) Largemouth bass: all from 12-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
CROSS LAKE and connected waters including the Snake River under the I-35 bridges
downstream to the Cross Lake Road/County Road 9 bridge (Pine) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
CROSS LAKE RESERVOIR (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
CROW WING LAKE, 1st (Hubbard) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CROW WING LAKES, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (Hubbard) Sunfish: daily limit five.
CROW WING LAKES, 5th and 6th (Hubbard) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
CROW WING LAKES, 8th, 9th, and 10th (Hubbard) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must
be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
CRYSTAL LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

40 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 CUT FOOT SIOUX LAKE and connected Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, First River Flowage,
and Egg Lake (Itasca): Sunfish: daily limit five. Walleye: see Winnibigoshish.

D DAGGETT LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.

DAM LAKE and connected Lily Lake and Dam Brook (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
DAVIS LAKE (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
DEEP LAKE (Ramsey) Closed to fishing.
DEER LAKE (Beltrami) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14‑20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Northern pike: all from
24‑36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Sunfish: daily limit five.
DEER LAKE near Effie (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
DEER LAKE including Otter Tail River (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit five.
DEMONTREVILLE LAKE (Wash­ing­ton) Largemouth bass: catch‑and‑release only.
DIAMOND LAKE (Kandiyohi) Sunfish: daily limit five.
DIXON LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five. Walleye: see Winnibigoshish.
DUTCH LAKE (Hennepin) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
DYERS LAKE (Cook) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.

E EAST LOST LAKE including Otter Tail River (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
EDEN LAKE (Stearns) Channel catfish and flathead catfish: combined possession limit
10, not more than two may be flathead catfish. Only one over 24" allowed in possession.
EAST TWIN LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
EDWARD LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
ELEPHANT LAKE (St. Louis) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
ELLIOT LAKE (St. Louis) Sunfish: daily limit five.
EUNICE LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five. Crappie: minimum size limit 10". Daily
limit five. Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 12-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

F Possession
FARM LAKE (Lake) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: (includes the North Branch Kawishiwi
River from Farm Lake 4.8 miles east to the long portage) All from 17-26" must be
immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
FARM ISLAND LAKE (Aitkin) Walleye: all from 16-19" must be immediately released.
FISH LAKE near Parkers Prairie (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit five.
FISH LAKE near Weetown (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit five.
FISH LAKE RESERVOIR (St. Louis) Walleye: all less than 13" or greater than 17" must be
immediately released, except one over 26" allowed in possession. Possession limit three.
Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
FISH TRAP LAKE (Morrison) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
FLADMARK LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: possession limit 10. Northern pike, largemouth
and smallmouth bass: catch-and-release only. Crappie: possession limit five.
FLORIDA LAKE (Kandiyohi) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

Special Regulations 41
 FLOUR LAKE (Cook) Smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately released.
One over 20" allowed in possession.
FLOWAGE LAKE (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
FOSTER-AREND LAKE (Olmsted) Trout: continuous season. Possession limit three.
One over 16" allowed in possession. Sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, largemouth and
smallmouth bass, see Rochester–Olmsted County Area Lakes.
⁕NEW—FOX LAKE (Beltrami) See Turtle River chain of lakes (page 51).
FRANKLIN LAKE (Otter Tail) Crappie: minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five. Sunfish:
daily limit five.

G GAMEHAVEN (Boy Scout Lake or Willow Reservoir No. 4) (Olmsted) See Rochester–
Olmsted County Area Lakes.
GARDEN LAKE (Lake) Northern pike: all from 24"-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 17"-26" must be immediately
released. One over 26" is allowed in possession.
GARFIELD LAKE (Hubbard) Sunfish: daily limit five.
GEORGE LAKE (Hubbard) Northern pike: all from 24"-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Largemouth and smallmouth bass:
all 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
GEORGE LAKE (Kandiyohi) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
GILBERT LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
GILCHRIST LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
GIRL LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24"-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
GLADSTONE LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
GOODRICH LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
GOOSE LAKE (Chisago) Crappie: daily limit five. Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
GRAVE LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
GREAT NORTHERN LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
GREEN LAKE (Chisago) Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
GREEN LAKE (Kandiyohi) Walleye: possession limit three.
GREEN PRAIRIE LAKE (Morrison) Sunfish: possession limit 10.
GRINDSTONE LAKE (Pine) Smelt: seines may not be used within 100' of any inflow or
outflow of the lake.
GROVE LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
GULL LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.
GULL LAKE (Cook) Walleye: see Saganaga Lake.
GUN LAKE (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
H HEIGHT OF LAND (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
HENRY LAKE (Douglas) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 12-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
HORSESHOE LAKE and connected Minnewawa Lake (Aitkin) Walleye: possession limit
three. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
HORSESHOE LAKE (Cass) Near Backus. Sunfish: daily limit five.
42 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 HORSESHOE LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
HOVDE LAKE (Cass) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.
HUBERT LAKE (Crow Wing) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all 12" and larger must be
immediately released. Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
HUNGRY JACK LAKE (Cook) Smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

I INDIAN LAKE (Wright) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

INGUADONA LAKE and connected Rice Lake (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit 10. Crappie: daily
limit five.
IRENE LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
ISLAND LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
ISLAND LAKE near Longville (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
ISLAND LAKE near Deer River (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
ISLAND LAKE near Northome (Itasca) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 17-26"
must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
ISLAND-LOON LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
ISLAND RESERVOIR including Cloquet River from mouth of Island Reservoir upstream
0.5 miles to rapids and Otter River from mouth of Island Reservoir upstream to Boulder
Reservoir dam (St. Louis) Walleye: all from 15-20" must be immediately released.
Possession limit 10, only one over 20".
ITASCA LAKE (Clearwater) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.

J JANE LAKE (Washington) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.

JAY GOULD including Little Jay Gould and Blackwater Reservoir upstream to Highway 6
(Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
JULIA LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.

K Possession
KABEKONA LAKE (Hubbard) Walleye: all from 20-26" must be immediately released.
limit four, only one over 26".
KABETOGAMA LAKE including Sullivan Bay and Ash River to Ash River Falls (St. Louis)
Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in
possession. Walleye and sauger: possession limit six combined, only four may be walleye.
KALMAR RESERVOIR (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County Area Lakes.
KITCHI LAKE (Beltrami) See Cass Lake Chain.
KNAUS LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
KNIFE LAKE (Kanabec) Walleye: all from 18-24" must be immediately released. One over
24" allowed in possession. Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
KRAYS LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.

L LA SALLE LAKE (Hubbard) Walleye: possession limit two. Largemouth and smallmouth
bass: catch-and-release only. Crappie: possession limit five. Sunfish: possession limit
five. Yellow perch: possession limit 10.

Special Regulations 43
 LAC QUI PARLE LAKE upstream to Marsh Lake Dam, including the Watson Sag upstream
to the diversion dam (Lac qui Parle and Chippewa) Walleye: possession limit four, only
one walleye over 20".
LADY LAKE near Grey Eagle (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LAKE OF THE WOODS including the Rainy River from the mouth upstream to the dam
in International Falls (Roseau) Northern pike: all from 30-40" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 40". Walleye and sauger: all walleye
from 191 ⁄2‑28" must be immediately released. Possession limit six in combination, not
more than four can be walleye, only one walleye over 28", see page 60 for season.
Lake sturgeon, see page 61.
LEECH LAKE (Cass) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five. Walleye: Possession
limit four, only one over 20". See page 22 for whitefish.
LESTER LAKE (Hubbard) All species: catch-and-release only.
LEVEN LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LIDA LAKES, South and North, including Mud Lake (Otter Tail) Crappie: minimum size
limit is 11". Walleye: all from 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed
in possession. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LILY LAKE and connected Long Lake (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LIND LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LITTLE BOY LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 18‑26" must be immediately
released. Possession limit four, only one over 26".
LITTLE BOWSTRING LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LITTLE CORMORANT LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five. Crappie: minimum size
limit 10". Daily limit five. Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
LITTLE FLOYD LAKE (Becker) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Daily limit three, only one over 36".
LITTLE MANTRAP LAKE (Hubbard) Largemouth bass: all from 12-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
LITTLE MCDONALD LAKE including Kerbs Lake (Otter Tail) Walleye: all from 17-26"
must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
LITTLE PINE LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
LITTLE PINE LAKE (Otter Tail) Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released.
One over 26" allowed in possession.
LITTLE RABBIT LAKE (Crow Wing) See Mississippi River.
LITTLE SAUK LAKE (Todd) Walleye: possession limit two. Largemouth bass: possession
limit one. Sunfish: possession limit five. Crappie: possession limit five. Yellow perch:
possession limit 10.
LITTLE SPLITHAND LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LITTLE SUGAR BUSH LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five.
LITTLE TOAD LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit 10. Northern pike: all from 24‑36" must
be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
LITTLE TROUT LAKE (St. Louis) Lake trout: catch-and-release only.
⁕NEW—LITTLE TURTLE LAKE (Beltrami) See Turtle River chain of lakes (page 51).
LITTLE TURTLE LAKE near Marcell (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.

44
 LITTLE VERMILION LAKE including Loon River to Loon River Falls portage (St. Louis)
Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in
possession. Walleye and sauger: possession limit six combined, only four may be walleye.
LITTLE WEBB LAKE (Cass) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
LITTLE WOMAN LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
LONG LAKE near Hawick (Kandiyohi) Largemouth bass: all from 14‑20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LONG LAKE near Clearwater (Stearns) Largemouth bass: all from 12-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
LONG LAKE south of Richmond (Stearns) Channel catfish and flathead catfish: combined
possession limit 10, not more than two may be flathead catfish. Only one over 24" allowed
in possession. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LONG LAKE near Burtrum (Todd) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
LONG LAKE near Spaulding (Todd) Sunfish: possession limit 10.
LONG LAKE near Vergas (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LOW LAKE (St. Louis) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
LOWER HAY LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.

M MAHNOMEN MINE and connected Alstead and Arco Mines (Crow Wing) Lake trout:
Minimum length limit 20". Possession limit one.
MANDALL LAKE (Chisago) Crappie: daily limit five. Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
MANOR WOODS POND (Country Club Pond) (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted
County Area Lakes.
MAPLE LAKE (Douglas) Crappie: minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
MAPLE LAKE (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
MARION LAKE (Dakota) Sunfish: daily limit five.
MARTIN LAKE (Anoka) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
MARY LAKE (Hubbard) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14‑20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Crappie: daily limit five.
Sunfish: daily limit five.
MARY LAKE (Todd) Sunfish: daily limit five.
MAZASKA LAKE (Rice) Sunfish: daily limit five.
MAUD LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five. Crappie: size limit 10". Daily limit five.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 12-20" must be immediately released. One
over 20" allowed in possession.
MEDICINE LAKE (Beltrami) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Sunfish: daily limit five.
MEDICINE LAKE (Hennepin) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
MELISSA LAKE (Becker) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
MIDDLE LAKE (Otter Tail) Largemouth bass: all from 12-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit five.
MILL LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

Special Regulations 45
 MILLE LACS (See Intensive Management Lakes page 37).
MINK-SOMERS LAKE near Maple Lake (Wright) Sunfish: daily limit five. Crappie: daily
limit five. Walleye: minimum size limit 17". Possession limit three. Largemouth bass:
all from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three,
only one over 36". Possession or use of live minnows is prohibited.
MINNEWASHTA LAKE (Carver) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.
MINNEWASKA LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
MINNEWAWA LAKE and connected Horseshoe Lake (Aitkin) Walleye: possession limit
three. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
MINERVA LAKE (Clearwater) Sunfish: daily limit five.
MINNIE BELLE LAKE (Meeker) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Sunfish: daily limit five.
MISSION LAKES, Lower and Upper (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Northern pike:
all from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Sunfish: daily limit five.
MITCHELL LAKE (Crow Wing) Northern pike (regulation modified): all from 24-36" must
be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
MOCCASIN LAKE (Cass) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only. Crappie: daily limit
five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
MOODY LAKE (Crow Wing) All species: catch-and-release only.
MOON LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit five.
MOOSE LAKE near Deer River (Itasca) Walleye (regulation modified): all from 20-24"
must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
MOOSE LAKE (Todd) Largemouth bass: all 12" and larger must be immediately released.
Sunfish: daily limit five.
MOOSEHEAD LAKE (Carlton) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
MOUND LAKE (Todd) Crappie: possession limit five.
⁕NEW—MOVIL LAKE including Turtle River (Beltrami) See Turtle River chain of lakes
(page 51).
MUD LAKE (Stearns) Channel catfish and flathead catfish: combined possession limit 10,
not more than two may be flathead catfish. Only one over 24" allowed in possession.
MUKOODA LAKE (St. Louis) Lake trout: catch-and-release only.
MULE LAKE (Cass) Walleye: possession limit three.

N NAMAKAN LAKE (St. Louis) Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released. One
over 26" allowed in possession. Walleye and sauger: possession limit six combined, only
four may be walleye.
NEST LAKE (Kandiyohi) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
NORTH BROWNS LAKE (Stearns) Channel catfish and flathead catfish: combined
possession limit 10, not more than two may be flathead catfish. Only one over 24"
allowed in possession.
NORTH LONG LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
NORTH STAR LAKE including Little North Star Lake (Itasca) Northern pike: all from
24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".

46 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 NORTH TURTLE LAKE (Otter Tail) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20"
must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Crappie: minimum
size limit 10".
NORTH TWIN LAKE (Beltrami) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
NORWAY LAKE (Otter Tail) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must
be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Crappie: minimum size
limit 10". Daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.

O OLSON LAKE (Washington) Largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.

OSAKIS and Little Osakis lakes (Douglas and Todd) Sunfish: daily limit 10. Walleye:
minimum size limit 15".
⁕NEW—OTTER TAIL LAKE (Otter Tail) Northern pike: special regulation repealed.
OWASSO LAKE (Ramsey) Sunfish: daily limit five.
OX YOKE LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
OZAWINDIB LAKE (Clearwater) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14‑20" must
be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Crappie: daily limit five.

P PARLEY LAKE (Carver) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
PEARL LAKE (Stearns) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
PELICAN LAKE (St. Louis) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14‑20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in p
­ ossession.
PENNINGTON MINE (Crow Wing) Lake trout: Minimum length limit 20". Possession
limit one.
PERCH LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
PICKEREL LAKE (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
PIERZ (FISH) LAKE (Morrison) Largemouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
PIG LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
PIKE BAY LAKE and connected Fox Creek (Cass) See Cass Chain.
PIMUSHE LAKE (Beltrami) Sunfish: daily limit five.
PINE LAKE, BIG (Otter Tail) See Big Pine Lake (Otter Tail County).
PLATTE LAKE (Crow Wing) Sunfish: possession limit 10.
PLEASANT LAKE (Ramsey) Closed to fishing.
PLEASANT LAKE (Stearns) Sunfish: daily limit five.
POKEGAMA LAKE near Grand Rapids (Itasca) Sunfish: daily limit five.
POKEGAMA LAKE and connected waters including the Snake River from the Little
Walleye landing downstream to the I-35 bridges (Pine) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
PORTAGE LAKE North of Ten Mile Lake (Cass) largemouth and smallmouth bass: all
from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
PRAIRIE LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
PRIOR LAKE, Upper and Lower (Scott) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.

Special Regulations 47
Q Area
QUARRY HILL NATURE CENTER POND (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County
Lakes.

R immediately
RABBIT LAKES, Big and East Big (Crow Wing) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
RABOUR LAKE (Chisago) Crappie: daily limit five. Walleye: minimum size limit 17".
RACHEL LAKE and Little Rachel Lake (Douglas) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
RAINY LAKE including the Rainy River above the dam at International Falls, all of Rainy
Lake to the dam at Kettle Falls, Black Bay including Gold Portage below the rapids, all of
the Rat Root River, and Rat Root Lake (Koochiching and St. Louis) Walleye and sauger:
possession limit eight (not more than four can be walleye). All walleye from 18-26" must
be immediately released. One walleye over 26" allowed in possession.
RAT LAKE (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
RED LAKE (see page 37).
RED RIVER LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
RED ROCK LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
RED WING POTTERY POND (Goodhue) Trout: Continuous season. Possession limit
three. One over 16" allowed in possession.
RENO LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
RICE LAKE and connected Inguadona Lake (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit 10. Crappie: daily
limit five.
RICE LAKE east side of Brainerd (Crow Wing): See Mississippi River.
RILEY LAKE (Carver) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
RIPLEY LAKE (Meeker) Sunfish: daily limit five.
ROCHESTER–OLMSTED COUNTY AREA LAKES (Olmsted) includes: Bear Creek
Reservoir (Chester Woods), Cascade Lake (Cascade Ponds), Foster-Arend Lake,
Gamehaven Lake (Boy Scout Lake or Willow Reservoir No. 4), Kalmar Reservoir, Quarry
Hill Nature Center Pond, Manor Woods Pond (Country Club Pond), Silver Lake, Silver
Creek Reservoir, Willow Creek Reservoir. The daily and possession limits for the
following species apply to the waters listed above as a whole, that is, only one daily and
possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester–
Olmsted County Area Lakes. Sunfish, crappie, yellow perch: combined possession
limit 10, and only five may be crappie. Largemouth or smallmouth bass: possession limit
of one. Northern pike: daily and possession limit one applies collectively to a subset of
the Rochester–Olmsted County lakes: Cascade Lake, Game Haven Lake, Manor Woods,
Silver Lake, Silver Creek Reservoir.
ROGERS LAKE (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
ROUND LAKE (Crow Wing) Northern pike: minimum size limit 30". Possession limit one.
ROUND LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit five.
ROUND LAKE near Harding (Morrison) Sunfish: daily limit five.
⁕NEW—ROUND LAKE near Squaw Lake including the Popple River downstream
to State Highway Bridge 46 (Itasca) Walleye: all from 20-24" must be immediately
released. One over 24" allowed in possession.

48 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 RUSH LAKE, East and West (Chisago) Northern pike: all from 26-40" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40".
RUSH-HEN LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.

S limit one.
SAGAMORE MINE (Crow Wing) Lake trout: minimum length limit 20". Possession

SAGANAGA LAKE including Gull Lake and the Sea Gull River (Cook) Walleye: minimum
size limit 17". Possession limit three, only one over 20".
SALLIE LAKE (Becker) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
SANBORN LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SAND LAKE and connected Talac and Sorenson Lakes (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SAND LAKE including connecting Birds Eye Lake, Little Sand Lake, Portage Lake and
Bowstring River upstream to County Road 35 bridge and downstream to the County
Road 145 bridge (Itasca) Walleye: all 17-26" must be immediately released. One over 26"
allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit five.
SAND LAKE (Lake) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SAND POINT LAKE (St. Louis) Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately released.
One over 26" allowed in possession. Walleye and sauger possession limit six combined,
only four may be walleye.
SANDY RIVER LAKE (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
SARAH LAKE (Hennepin) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
SARAH LAKE (Polk) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
SAUK RIVER CHAIN OF LAKES from Highway 23 downstream to the Cold Spring Dam
include connecting lakes Becker, Bolfing, Cedar Island, Great Northern, Horseshoe,
Knaus, Krays, Schneider and Zumwalde (Stearns) Channel catfish and flathead catfish:
combined possession limit 10, not more than two may be flathead catfish. Only one over
24" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit 10.
SCHNEIDER LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
SEA GULL LAKE including Alpine River between Alpine Lake and Sea Gull Lake (Cook)
Walleye: minimum size limit 17". Possession limit three, only one over 20".
SEWELL LAKE (Otter Tail) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
SHAKOPEE LAKE (Mille Lacs) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SHAMINEAU LAKE (Morrison) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
SHIELDS LAKE (Rice) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
SHIELDS LAKE (Washington) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County Area Lakes on.
SILVER LAKE (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County Area Lakes.
SOUTH FARM LAKE (Lake) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately
released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 17-26" must be
immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
SOUTH LINDSTROM LAKE (Chisago) Largemouth bass: all 12" and larger must be
immediately released.

Special Regulations 49
 SOUTH TWIN LAKE (Beltrami) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must
be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
SPIDER LAKE (Hubbard) Crappie: minimum size limit 10".
SPIDER LAKE (Itasca) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".
SPLITHAND LAKE including Moody’s Creek upstream to County Road 432 (Itasca)
Walleye: all from 20-24" must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in
possession. Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
ST. OLAF LAKE (Waseca) Northern pike: minimum size limit 30". Possession limit one.
STAR LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
STEIGER LAKE (Carver) Northern pike and largemouth bass: catch-and-release only.
STRAND LAKE (St. Louis) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
STUART LAKE (Otter Tail) Crappie: minimum size limit 10". Sunfish: daily limit 10.
SUCKER LAKES, Upper, Middle, and Lower (Cass) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily
limit five.
SUGAR LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
SUGAR LAKE (Wright) Crappie: daily limit five. Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
SULLIVAN LAKE (Morrison) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
SWAN LAKE including Swan River downstream to dam, upstream to County Road 12,
and connected streams (Itasca) Walleye (regulation modified): all from 20-24" must be
immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
SWIFT LAKE (Cass) See Boy Lake.
SYLVAN LAKE near Pillager (Cass) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
SYLVIA LAKES, East and West (Wright) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit 10.

T TAMARACK LAKE, North (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit five.

TEN MILE LAKE, North and South (Otter Tail) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from
14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
THIRTEEN LAKE (Cass) Largemouth and smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily limit five.
THOMPSON LAKE (Cook) Trout: catch-and-release only. Artificial lures and flies with a
single hook only. Use and possession of bait prohibited. Closed to winter fishing.
⁕NEW—THREE ISLAND LAKE including Turtle River (Beltrami) Northern pike: special
regulation repealed. Sunfish: daily limit five.
THRUSH LAKE (Cook) Trout: catch-and-release only. Artificial lures and flies with a
single hook only. Use and possession of bait prohibited. Closed to winter fishing.
TRELIPE LAKE, Lower (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
TRELIPE LAKE, Upper (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
TROUT LAKE near Coleraine (Itasca) Walleye (regulation modified): all from 20-24"
must be immediately released. One over 24" allowed in possession.
TURNIP LAKE (Cook) Trout: catch-and-release only. Artificial lures and flies with a single
hook only. Use and possession of bait prohibited. Closed to winter fishing.
TURTLE LAKE (Becker) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

50 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 ⁕NEW—TURTLE LAKE, BIG including connected Turtle River (Beltrami) See Turtle River
chain of lakes (page 51).
TURTLE LAKE (Itasca) Smallmouth bass (regulation modified): all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
TURTLE LAKE (Ramsey) Largemouth bass (regulation modified): all from 14-20" must be
immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.
⁕NEW—TURTLE River chain of lakes including connected Little Turtle, Big Turtle, Movil,
Beltrami, Fox lakes, and the Turtle River from Little Turtle Lake downstream to Fox Lake
(Beltrami) Northern pike: all from 22-30" must be immediately released. Possession
limit is 10, only one over 30". Sunfish: daily limit five.
⁕NEW—TURTLE RIVER LAKE including Turtle River (Beltrami) Northern pike: special
regulation repealed. Sunfish: daily limit five.
TWENTY-ONE LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: possession limit 10. Northern pike, largemouth
and smallmouth bass: catch-and-release only. Crappie: possession limit five.
TWO ISLAND LAKE (Cook) Smallmouth bass: all from 14-20" must be immediately
released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

V VANDUSE (Hobo) LAKE (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

VENSTROM LAKE (Otter Tail) Crappie: minimum size limit 11". Walleye: all from 17‑26"
must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. Sunfish: daily
limit 10.
VERMILLION LAKE (Cass) Sunfish: daily limit five.
VERMILION LAKE (St. Louis) Walleye: all from 20-26" must be immediately released.
Possession limit four, only one over 26".
VERMONT LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
VILLARD LAKE (Pope) Sunfish: daily limit 10.

WWABEDO LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 18-26" must be immediately
released. Possession limit four, only one over 26".
WACONIA LAKE (Carver) Walleye: minimum size limit 16".
WALL LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
WASHINGTON LAKE (Le Sueur) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
WAUKENABO LAKE and connected West Lake (Aitkin) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
WELSH LAKE (Cass) See Crooked Lake.
WEST LOST LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit 10.
WEST SILENT LAKE (Otter Tail) Sunfish: daily limit five.
WHISKEY LAKE (Douglas) Sunfish: daily limit five.
WHITE IRON LAKE (St. Louis and Lake) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be
immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36". Walleye: all from 17‑26"
must be immediately released. Only one over 26" allowed in possession.
WHITEFACE RESERVOIR (St. Louis) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
WHITEFISH CHAIN, including connected Cross Lake Reservoir, Lower Hay, Arrowhead,
Bertha, Clamshell, Big Trout, Pig, Island-Loon, Rush-Hen, Dagget, and Little Pine lakes
(Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.

Special Regulations 51
 WILD RICE RESERVOIR (St. Louis) Crappie: daily limit five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
WHITEFISH LAKE (Crow Wing) See Whitefish Chain.
WILKINSON LAKE (Anoka and Ramsey) Closed to fishing.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR (Olmsted) See Rochester–Olmsted County Area Lakes.
WINDIGO LAKE (Beltrami) See Cass Chain.
WINNIBIGOSHISH Lake and connected waters (Beltrami, Cass, and Itasca): Mississippi
River to Knutson Dam, Third River Flowage to Little Dixon Lake, Pigeon River to Pigeon
Lake Dam, First River, Egg Lake through Cut Foot Sioux Lake, Raven Flowage to Raven
Lake, and Sugar Lake. Walleye: all from 18-23" must be immediately released. One over
23" allowed in possession.
WOLF LAKE (Beltrami) See Cass Lake Chain.
WOMAN LAKE (Cass) Northern pike: all from 24-36" must be immediately released.
Possession limit three, only one over 36".

Y YAWKEY MINE (Crow Wing) Lake trout: minimum length limit 20". Possession limit one.
Z ZUMWALDE LAKE (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
Streams and Rivers (County)
A ASH RIVER (St. Louis) See Kabetogama Lake.
B BAUDETTE RIVER mouth upstream to State Highway 11 bridge (Lake of the Woods)
Northern pike, lake sturgeon, sauger, and walleye: see Lake of the Woods, pages 60-61.
BEAVER CREEK, East (Houston) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released
on the entire stream (Beaver Creek Valley State Park). See page 25 for special angling
seasons within the boundaries of Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
BELLE CREEK (Goodhue) Trout: catch-and-release on a 7.3 mile posted section from the
confluence with the Cannon River upstream to Highway 19.
BOWSTRING RIVER (Itasca) See Sand Lake.

C 0.8
CAMP CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: catch-and-release on a 2.7-mile posted section from
miles above the confluence with the Root River, South Branch upstream 2.7 miles.
Artificial lures and flies only. On the third Saturday in May, statewide regulations apply
to the posted section of the stream.
CANFIELD CREEK (SOUTH BRANCH CREEK) (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be
immediately released on the entire stream. Artificial lures and flies only. See page 25 for
special angling seasons within the boundaries of Canfield Creek in Forestville/Mystery
Cave State Park.

D June
DEVIL TRACK RIVER (Cook) Fish sanctuary: mile 1.1 to mile 1.6 open to fishing from
1 - August 31.

E EAGLE CREEK (Scott) Trout: catch-and-release only.

ECHO RIVER (St. Louis) See Crane Lake.

52 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

F FIRST RIVER (Itasca) See Winnibigoshish Lake.
FORESTVILLE CREEK (NORTH BRANCH CREEK) (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must
be immediately released on the entire stream. See page 25 for special angling seasons
within the boundaries of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
FRENCH RIVER (St. Louis) Fish sanctuary: all fishing closed from the river’s mouth at
Lake Superior to the State Highway 61 four-lane expressway, including that portion of
old Highway 61 that crosses the French River.

G GARVIN BROOK (Winona) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released from the
Highway 14 crossing to the source. Artificial lures and flies only.
GAUTHIER CREEK (Cook) Fish sanctuary: entire stream open to fishing from
June 1 - August 31 only.
GRIBBEN CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released on the
entire stream. Artificial lures and flies only.

Hposted
HAY CREEK (Goodhue) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released on a 4-mile
section from 325th Street downstream. Artificial lures and flies only.
HOOPER CREEK mouth upstream to State Highway 172 bridge (Lake of the Woods)
Northern pike: see Lake of the Woods, page 61.

K KADUNCE RIVER (Cook) Fish sanctuary: mile 0.2 (lower falls) to mile 0.4 open to
fishing from June 1 - August 31 only.
KEDRON CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: catch-and-release only on the entire stream. Artificial
lures and flies only.
KELLY CREEK mouth upstream to State Highway 172 bridge (Lake of the Woods)
Northern pike: see Lake of the Woods, page 61.
KNIFE RIVER (St. Louis and Lake) Fish sanctuary: between the signs from the top of the
second falls 100 feet downstream, and from State Highway 61 bridge downstream to the
sign below the fish trap is permanently closed to fishing.

L LAWNDALE CREEK (Wilkin) Brook trout: catch-and-release only for brook trout on a
3.5-mile posted section within Atherton Wildlife Management Area. Artificial lures and
flies only. All hooks must be barbless.
LESTER RIVER (St. Louis) Immediately downstream from the Superior Street bridge to
the bottom of the first falls is closed to fishing.
LOGAN CREEK (Olmsted) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released on the
entire stream from the confluence with the Whitewater River, North Branch, upstream
to the source. Artificial lures and flies only.
LOON RIVER See Little Vermilion Lake.

M MAHOODS CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released on
the entire stream.
MILL CREEK (Fillmore and Olmsted) Trout: special catch-and-release season
October 16 ‑ December 31 on posted reach in Chatfield from the confluence with the
North Branch Root River upstream to Sprau’s tributary.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER (Dakota) From the Hastings dam downstream to the Minnesota–
Wisconsin border (inland waters of Pool 3) walleye: minimum size limit 15".

Special Regulations 53
 MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY (Ramsey, Washington, Hennepin, and Dakota) Walleye,
sauger, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass: catch-and-release with a continuous
season in the following stretches: a) Minnesota River downstream from the Mendota
Bridge; b) Minnehaha Creek downstream from Minnehaha Falls; and c) Pool 2 of the
Mississippi River between the Hastings Dam and the Ford Dam, including all backwater
lakes and connecting waters except Crosby, Pickerel, Upper, Little Pigs Eye, and North
Star Steel lakes.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER from Blandin Dam downstream to Coon Rapids Dam (Itasca, Aitkin,
Crow Wing, Morrison, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Anoka, and Hennepin) Muskellunge:
catch-and-release only.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER (Sherburne, Stearns and Wright) Smallmouth bass: all from 12-20"
must be immediately released from the confluence of the Crow River upstream to the
St. Cloud Dam, including tributaries to the posted boundaries. Possession limit is three,
with one over 20".
MISSISSIPPI RIVER from Brainerd Dam upstream to Highway 6 including Rice, Little
Rabbit, and Half Moon Lakes and connected backwaters (Crow Wing) Crappie: daily limit
five. Sunfish: daily limit five.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER (Beltrami, Cass, and Itasca) See Winnibigoshish Lake.

O OTTER TAIL RIVER (Otter Tail, Becker, and Wilkin) Smallmouth bass: catch-and-release
from Wilkin County Road 19 crossing upstream to the Friberg Dam including all
impoundments, and from Otter Tail County Highway 51 upstream to the Hubbel Pond
Dam including Mud, Rice, and Town lakes.

P PIGEON RIVER (Itasca) See Winnibigoshish Lake.

PRAIRIE RIVER (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
PRAIRIE RIVER from Prairie Lake Dam downstream to Mississippi River (Itasca)
Muskellunge: catch-and-release only.

R RAINY RIVER (Koochiching) See pages 59-61.

RAPID RIVER mouth upstream to State Highway 11 bridge (Lake of the Woods) Northern
pike, lake sturgeon, sauger, and walleye: see Lake of the Woods, pages 60-61.
RAT ROOT RIVER (Koochiching) See Rainy Lake.
RAVEN FLOWAGE (Itasca) See Winnibigoshish Lake.
RED LAKE TRIBUTARIES See Red Lake (page 37).
ROOT RIVER, Middle Branch (Fillmore) Trout: catch-and-release on the entire stream.
ROOT RIVER, South Branch (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately
released on a 4.8-mile posted section within Forestville State Park. See page 25 for
special angling seasons within the boundaries of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
Trout: special catch-and-release season October 16 - December 31 on posted reach in
Preston from the River Place West bridge downstream to the U.S. Highway 52 bridge.
Trout: special catch-and-release season October 16 - December 31 on posted reach in
Lanesboro from the Lanesboro Dam downstream to the confluence with the Root River.
ROOT RIVER, South Fork (Fillmore) Trout: catch-and-release on a 7.7 mile section from
County Road 12 upstream to the source. Artificial lures and flies only.
RUSH CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: special catch-and-release season
October 16 - December 31 on posted reach in Rushford.

54 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

S ST. CROIX RIVER See pages 66-68.
ST. LOUIS RIVER (St. Louis) Fish sanctuary: no fishing allowed at any time from the
Fond du Lac Dam downstream to the Minnesota–Wisconsin boundary cable. No
fishing allowed from the boundary cable downstream to the Highway 23 bridge from
March 1 - May 18. Muskellunge: minimum size limit 50" on only the Minnesota–Wisconsin
border waters.
SANDY RIVER (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.
SAUK RIVER (Stearns) See Sauk River Chain of Lakes.
SEA GULL RIVER (Cook) Walleye: see Saganaga Lake.
SHOTLEY BROOK from Highway 72 West to Upper Red Lake See Red Lake (page 37).
SILVER CREEK mouth upstream to State Highway 11 bridge (Lake of the Woods)
Northern pike: see Lake of the Woods, page 61.
SNAKE RIVER (Pine) See Cross (page 40) and Pokegama (page 47).
SPRING VALLEY CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released
on a 6.8-mile posted section from Deer Creek upstream to Fillmore Township Road 359.
Trout: special catch-and-release season October 16 - December 31 on posted reach in
Spring Valley from West Park Street downstream to Minnesota State Highway 16 bridge.
STONEY BROOK (Cass) Brook trout: all must be immediately released on the posted
section beginning at the mouth at Upper Gull Lake upstream to the road crossing at
County Road 29 (Minor’s Corner).

T Red Lake
TAMARACK RIVER (from the Beltrami County line west to Upper Red lake) See
(page 37).
THIRD RIVER FLOWAGE (Itasca) See Winnibigoshish Lake.
TROUT RUN CREEK (Fillmore and Winona) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately
released on the entire stream. Artificial lures and flies only.
TROUT RUN CREEK (in Whitewater State Park) See page 25 for special angling seasons
within the boundaries of Whitewater State Park.
TROUT VALLEY CREEK (Winona) Brook trout: minimum size limit 12". Possession limit
one. Artificial lures and flies only.
TURTLE RIVER (Beltrami) See Turtle River chain of lakes.

V VERMILION GORGE See Crane Lake.

⁕NEW—VERMILLION RIVER upstream of Vermillion Falls in Hastings and all tributaries
(Dakota) Brown trout: catch-and-release only. Rainbow trout: Regular statewide
regulations apply. The Vermillion River open seasons are the same as those for
Southeast Minnesota, see Streams—Southeast Minnesota on page 25 for details.

WWABANICA RIVER mouth upstream to State Highway 172 bridge (Lake of the Woods)
Northern pike, lake sturgeon, sauger, and walleye: see Lake of the Woods, pages 60-61.
WARROAD RIVER mouth upstream to Warroad City Beach (Roseau) Northern pike, lake
sturgeon, sauger, and walleye: see Lake of the Woods, pages 60-61.
WATSON SAG (Chippewa) See Lac qui Parle Lake.
WEST INDIAN CREEK (Wabasha) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released
from the upstream Wabasha County Road 4 crossing to the source.
WEST SAVANNA RIVER (Aitkin) See Big Sandy Lake.

Special Regulations 55
 WHITEWATER RIVER, Middle Branch (Winona and Olmsted) Trout: catch-and-release
on a 9.2-mile posted section from the group camp in Whitewater State Park upstream
to the source. Artificial lures and flies only. See page 25 for special angling seasons
within the boundaries of Whitewater State Park.
WHITEWATER RIVER, North Branch (Wabasha, Olmsted and Winona) Trout: all from
12-16" must be immediately released on a 12.1 mile posted section from Township Road
29 upstream to County Road 4. Artificial lures and flies only.
WINTER ROAD RIVER mouth upstream to State Highway 172 bridge (Lake of the
Woods) Northern pike, lake sturgeon, sauger, and walleye: see Lake of the Woods,
pages 60-61.
WISEL CREEK (Fillmore) Trout: all from 12-16" must be immediately released on the
entire stream.

Z ZUMBRO RIVER, NORTH FORK (Goodhue and Wabasha) Trout: catch-and-release on

an 11.9 mile posted section from the Zumbro River, Main Branch upstream to Highway 10.
ZUMBRO RIVER (Wabasha) Smallmouth bass: catch-and-release along a 12-mile posted
section from Highway 63 at Zumbro Falls upstream to the Zumbro Lake Dam.

Your License Dollars at Work

License dollars improve fishing, hunting, wildlife and habitat to
maintain and create outdoor recreation opportunities

How DNR Spends a License Dollar

› Fisheries - 33.9 cents

› Wildlife - 32.1 cents
› Conservation officers - 21.6 cents
› Clean water - 4.7 cents
› Licensing - 3.5 cents
› Boat ramps and accesses - 2.7 cents
› Sustainable forests - 1.5 cents

To learn more visit:

mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork
FAW_0038_23

56 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

ADVERTISEMENT
57
 BORDER WATERS
This section covers Minnesota’s border waters with Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and
South Dakota, as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. It does not
include the waters of Lake Superior, which are not covered under border water rules.
More details can be found on pages 26-28 for Lake Superior. All calendar dates refer to
2023 unless noted otherwise.

LICENSING
What license do I need to fish border waters?
• Minnesota residents must have a Minnesota license.
• Residents of a state bordering that water must have their state’s license.
• Other nonresidents may purchase a Minnesota or the bordering state’s
nonresident license.
Can I fish anywhere on the border waters with a Minnesota license?
• In Canadian border waters, Minnesota residents or nonresidents fishing with a
Minnesota nonresident license, may only fish the Minnesota portion of the Canadian
border waters. To fish the Canadian portion, you must have a Canadian license and
may need a Remote Access Border Crossing Permit.
• In other border waters, Minnesota residents or nonresidents fishing with a
Minnesota nonresident license, may fish throughout the defined waters bordering
the two states.
What if I don’t see a particular regulation listed in this section?
Unless otherwise noted, all general regulations relating to angling methods, licensing,
season, limits, fish possession and transportation apply to border waters (pages 29-36).
Also, all fish must be within length limits regardless of where they were caught (more
details can be found on page 32-33). Please check the Experimental and Special
Regulations section (pages 38-55) for different regulations that may apply.
If fishing regulations differ between the border states, what regulations
do I follow?
You must obey the regulations of the state in which you are fishing. More permissive
regulations are limited to that state’s waters.
Can I launch my boat or transport my catch back home from the adjacent state’s
boat launch?
Yes, you can launch your boat and transport your catch by the most direct route back
to the state that you are licensed.
Do bowfishing regulations allowed for inland waters apply to border waters?
The bowfishing regulations covered on page 69 are only allowed on Minnesota’s
portion of the border waters. If the bordering state’s bowfishing regulations are the
same, bowfishers may take legal fish shore to shore under a Minnesota license.

58 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 LAKE STURGEON TAGS
Lake sturgeon tags and mail-in registration cards are required for anyone who wishes to
harvest and possess a lake sturgeon. However, a tag is not required to catch and release
lake sturgeon.
The following requirements apply:
• An angler may take and possess only one lake sturgeon per calendar year.
• Lake sturgeon may not be possessed or transported without a tag.
• Validate and attach the tag immediately upon reducing the fish to possession.
• Tag must be attached to the narrow portion of the body in front of the tail fin.
• Tags must be attached so that they cannot be easily removed.
• Tags are not transferable and no duplicate tags will be issued.
• Registration cards must be completed and mailed within 48 hours after harvesting a
fish. Send to: Regional Fisheries, 2115 Birchmont Beach Road NE, Bemidji, MN 56601.
• Lake sturgeon must be transported intact (gills and internal organs may be removed).
• Members of a fishing party may not take sturgeon for other anglers’ limits; party
fishing is not allowed for sturgeon.

CANADA–MINNESOTA
The seasons and regulations listed below apply to the Minnesota portions of the
following waters. Daily and possession limits are the same unless otherwise noted.
Cook County: Clove Lake, Devils Elbow Lake, North Fowl Lake, South Fowl Lake,
Gneiss (Round) Lake, Granite Lake, Granite River, Gunflint Lake, Little Gunflint Lake,
Lily Lake (Fan, Vaseux), Magnetic Lake, Marabaeuf Lake, Moose Lake, Mountain Lake,
North Lake, Little North Lake, Pigeon River, Pine River, Rat Lake, Rose Lake, Rove Lake,
Saganaga Lake, South Lake, and Watap Lake.
Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties: Rainy River.
Koochiching and St. Louis counties: Rainy Lake (including Black Bay).
Lake County: Basswood Lake (except Jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist, and Back Bays, which
are considered inland waters), Basswood River, Birch Lake, Carp Lake, Cypress Lake,
Knife Lake (except South Arm), Little Knife Lake, Knife River, Melon Lake, Seed Lake,
Sucker Lake, and Swamp Lake.
Lake and St. Louis counties: Crooked Lake.
Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties: Lake of the Woods.
St. Louis County: Bottle Lake, Iron Lake, Lac La Croix, Loon Lake, Loon River to
Loon River Falls, Namakan Lake, Sand Point Lake, and Little Vermilion Lake.
Canada–Minnesota Regulations
• One line per angler is allowed, except two lines may be used when ice fishing.
• Parts of Saganaga, Little Gunflint, and Little North lakes are closed to fishing
in May. For current dates, call Grand Marais Area Office: 218-387-6021.
• While in Minnesota, anglers may not possess more than a Minnesota limit of fish
from Canada–Minnesota border waters. Fish from Canadian inland waters may

Continued on next page

Border Waters 59
 be possessed in Minnesota in excess of the Minnesota limit only if the angler has
proof—such as lodging receipts or verification through U.S. Customs—that the fish
were taken from inland Canadian waters.
• A person cannot possess or use a gaff while fishing on the Rainy River.
• Sauger without head and tail intact will be counted as walleye.
• Bowfishing (Minnesota’s portion of the waters only) see page 69.
• Dark houses, fish houses and shelters, see pages 71-74.
• Dark house spearing season November 15, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024. Canada–
Minnesota border water possession limits apply.

Canada–Minnesota Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye and sauger May 14, 2022 - 6 combined total (not more than 1 over 20"
April 14, 2023 in possession).
May 13, 2023 -
April 14, 2024
EXCEPTIONS: Lake of March 1 - April 14 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only
the Woods each year 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must
be immediately released).
May 13, 2023 -
April 14, 2024
Four Mile Bay March 1 - April 14 Catch-and-release only.
(Southeast bay of Lake each year
of the Woods)
May 13, 2023 - 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only
Feb. 29, 2024 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must
be immediately released).
Namakan, Sand Point May 14, 2022 - 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye
and Little Vermilion April 14, 2023 from 18-26" must be immediately released;
only 1 walleye over 26").
May 13, 2023 -
April 14, 2024
Rainy Lake May 14, 2022 - 8 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye
April 14, 2023 from 18-26" must be immediately released;
only 1 walleye over 26").
May 13, 2023 -
April 14, 2024
Rainy River (Mouth March 1 - April 14 Catch-and-release only.
to the dam at each year
International Falls)
May 13, 2023 - 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only
Feb. 29, 2024 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must
be immediately released).
Saganaga Lake May 13, 2023 - 3 (17" minimum size limit. Only 1 walleye
April 14, 2024 over 20").

Continued on next page

60 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Canada–Minnesota Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Northern pike Continuous 3 (only 1 over 30" in possession).
EXCEPTION: Lake of the Continuous 3 (All from 30-40" must be
Woods and Rainy River to the immediately released. Only 1 over
dam at International Falls 40" allowed in possession.)
EXCEPTION: Basswood Lake May 13, 2023 - 3 (All northern pike from 24-36"
(includes Jackfish, Pipestone, Feb. 25, 2024 must be immediately released.
Hoist, and Back bays) Only 1 over 36" allowed in
possession.)
Muskellunge June 17 - Nov. 30 1 (minimum size 50").
Largemouth and Continuous 6 combined total
smallmouth bass
Lake sturgeon April 24 - May 7 1 per calendar year (fish must be
Immediately validate and attach 45-50" inclusive, or over 75").
your sturgeon tag. Register
your sturgeon within 48 hours.
(See page 59.)
May 8 - 15 Catch-and-release only.
No tag needed.
Closed: May 16 - Closed
June 30
July 1 - Sept. 30 1 per calendar year (fish must be
45-50" inclusive, or over 75").
Oct 1 - April 23 of Catch-and-release only.
following year No tag needed.
Crappie Continuous 10
Lake trout (SUMMER) May 13 - Sept. 30 2
Lake trout (WINTER) 2023 Season: 2
Lakes outside or partly outside Jan. 14 - March 31
the BWCAW.
2024 Season:
Jan. 13 - March 31
Lakes entirely within the 2023 Season: 2
BWCAW. Dec. 31, 2022 -
March 31, 2023
2024 Season:
Dec. 30, 2023 -
March 31, 2024
Stream trout April 29 - Sept. 30 5 (not more than 3 over 16").
All other species Continuous Inland limits apply.

Border Waters 61
 IOWA–MINNESOTA
The seasons and regulations listed below apply to the following waters:
• Jackson County: Little Spirit Lake.
• Jackson and Nobles counties: Iowa Lake.
• Martin County: Okamanpeedan (Tuttle), Iowa, and Swag lakes.
Daily and possession limits are the same. All species not listed are covered by the inland
regulations of the state where taken.
Iowa–Minnesota Regulations
• Anglers may use up to two lines with two hooks per line.
• Setlines, trotlines, or unattended lines are unlawful.
• Spearing may be used anytime to take carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, bowfin, gar,
or quillback.
• Spearing game fish is unlawful.
• Bowfishing regulations, page 71.
• Dark house, fish house, and shelters pages 71-75.

Iowa–Minnesota Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye Continuous 3
Northern pike Continuous 3
Largemouth and smallmouth bass Continuous 3 combined total
Muskellunge May 21 - Nov. 30 1 (minimum size 40")
Catfish (channel and flathead) Channel catfish: 8 combined total
continuous
Flathead catfish:
April 1 - Nov. 30
Sunfish (bluegill, crappie, Continuous 25 combined total
pumpkinseed, green,
orangespotted, northern,
warmouth, and their hybrids)
Perch Continuous 25
White bass and yellow bass Continuous No limit
Bullhead Continuous No limit
Carp, sucker, redhorse, Continuous No limit
freshwater drum, buffalo,
burbot, bowfin, and quillback

⁕NEW—Gar Continuous 10

62 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 NORTH DAKOTA–MINNESOTA
Seasons and regulations apply to the Bois de Sioux River and the Red River of the
North. Daily and possession limits are the same. All species not listed are covered by
the inland regulations of the state where taken.
North Dakota–Minnesota Regulations
• Two lines are permitted, and two hooks are permitted on each line.
• Dark house spearing is legal; however, catfish may not be speared at any time.
Other rules regarding dark house spearing, ice angling, and ice shelters can be
found on pages 71-75.
• It is unlawful to possess a spear or bow and arrow on or adjacent to any water body
where the spearing and archery season is closed.
• Carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, and gar may be taken by
spearing or archery between sunrise and sunset from May 1 through December 31.
The bowfishing regulations on page 69 are allowed only on Minnesota’s portion of
the border waters when they differ from those of the border state. If the bow-
fishing regulations are the same, then they may be exercised from shore to shore.
• Once you possess a fish caught by angling, you cannot replace it with another fish.
However, at the end of your fishing day you may release live fish before leaving
the water.
• Check North Dakota regulations regarding fishing from North Dakota’s shore.

North Dakota–Minnesota Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye and sauger Continuous 3 combined total
Northern pike Continuous 3
Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, Continuous 30
green, orangespotted, northern,
warmouth, and their hybrids)
Perch Continuous 50
Crappie Continuous 30
Largemouth and smallmouth bass Continuous 3 combined total
Lake sturgeon March 1 - April 14 Catch-and-release only
April 15 - June 15 Closed
June 16, 2023 - Catch-and-release only
April 14, 2024
Muskellunge Continuous 1 (minimum size 50")
Rock bass Continuous 20
Bullhead Continuous 100
Catfish Continuous 5 (only 1 over 24")
Carp, sucker, redhorse, freshwater Continuous No limit
drum, buffalo, burbot, bowfin,
and white bass
⁕NEW—Gar Continuous 10

Border Waters 63
 SOUTH DAKOTA–MINNESOTA
The seasons and regulations listed below apply to the following waters:
• Big Stone County: Big Stone Lake.
• Lincoln County: Hendricks Lake.
• Traverse County: Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota
border, and Mustinka River from the mouth to the Minnesota State Highway 117
bridge.
Daily and possession limits are the same unless otherwise noted. All species not listed
are covered by the inland regulations of the state where taken.
South Dakota–Minnesota Regulations
• Anglers may use two lines with up to three hooks per line.
• Setlines, trotlines, or unattended lines are unlawful.
• Carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, and gar may be
taken by spearing from sunrise to sunset from May 1, 2023 through February 29,
2024.
• The bowfishing regulations on page 69 are allowed only on Minnesota’s portion of
the border waters when they differ from those of South Dakota. If the bowfishing
regulations are the same, then they may be exercised from shore to shore.
• It is unlawful to possess a spear, spring gaff, or bow and arrow on or adjacent to any
body of water where the spearing and archery season is closed.
• Spearing game fish is unlawful except northern pike and catfish may be speared
from a dark house.
• Northern pike limit for dark house spearing is three. Other rules can be found on
pages 71-75.
• Catfish may not be taken by spearing anytime on the Bois De Sioux River from
White Rock Dam to the North Dakota border.
• Dark house, fish house and shelters (pages 71-75).
• Culling is not allowed on the Bois de Sioux River from the White Rock Dam to the
North Dakota border. However, at the end of your fishing day you may release live
fish before leaving the water.

South Dakota–Minnesota Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye and sauger Continuous 4 combined total
(only 1 walleye over 20")
Northern pike angling Continuous 6
Northern pike spearing Nov. 15, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 3
Largemouth and Continuous 6 combined total
smallmouth bass
Crappie Continuous 10

Continued on next page

64 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

South Dakota–Minnesota Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Sunfish (bluegill, Continuous 10 combined total
pumpkinseed, green,
orangespotted,
northern, warmouth,
and their hybrids)
Rock bass Continuous 20
Bullhead Continuous 100
Perch Continuous 15 daily and 30 in possession
Catfish (channel and Channel catfish: continuous 5 combined total. No more
flathead) than 2 can be flathead (only 1
Flathead catfish: April 1 -
catfish over 24").
Nov. 30
Lake sturgeon April 15 - June 15 Closed
June 16, 2023 - April 14, 2024 Catch-and-release only
Carp, sucker, redhorse, Continuous No limit
freshwater drum,
buffalo, burbot, bowfin,
and white bass

⁕NEW—Gar Continuous 10

FISHING?
LEARN MORE!

LEARN TO FISH
Tips, techniques and locations for
catching a variety of species
mndnr.gov/gofishing

OUTDOOR SKILLS AND STEWARDSHIP SERIES

Free access to real time and pre-recorded presentations
on fishing and other outdoor pursuits
mndnr.gov/discover

FAW_0037_23

Border Waters 65
 WISCONSIN–MINNESOTA
The seasons and regulations listed below apply to the following waters:
Mississippi River (downstream of the Highway 10 bridge in Prescott, Wisconsin and all
waters between the Burlington Northern [Wisconsin] and Canadian Pacific [Minnesota]
railroad tracks). Lake Pepin, St. Croix River, Lake St. Croix and St. Louis River Estuary.
Daily and possession limits are the same. All species not listed are covered by the inland
regulations of the state where a fish is taken. Anglers may fish shore to shore with
either a Minnesota or Wisconsin fishing license.
Wisconsin–Minnesota Regulations
• Two lines with a single lure or bait on each are permitted. If fishing with one line,
you may use two baits.
• Fish hooked in any part of the body, except the mouth, must be returned to the
water immediately.
• Anglers must be within 400 feet of their tip-ups.
• Rough fish may be taken by spearing and dip-netting between sunrise and sunset
from April 29, 2023 - March 1, 2024. Dip net hoops cannot exceed 24" in diameter.
• Spearing game fish is prohibited. It is unlawful to have a spear on or adjacent to any
body of water where the spearing season is closed.
• Dark house, fish house, and shelters (more details can be found on pages 71-75).
• The bowfishing regulations on page 69 are allowed only on Minnesota’s portion
of the border waters when they differ from those of Wisconsin. If the bowfishing
regulations are the same, then they may be exercised from shore to shore.
• Fish sanctuaries, no fishing allowed:
› Mississippi River: no fishing allowed within 300 feet below Lock and Dam 3
(near Red Wing) and Lock and Dam 4 (Alma, Wisconsin) from March 1 - April 30.
› St. Croix River: no fishing from Taylors Falls (St. Croix Falls) dam to 50 feet
downstream from the pier in center of river.
› St. Louis River Estuary: no fishing allowed at any time from the Fond du Lac
Dam downstream to the Minnesota–Wisconsin boundary cable. No fishing
allowed from the boundary cable downstream to the Highway 23 bridge from
February 29 - May 18.

Wisconsin–Minnesota Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye and sauger May 13, 2023 - 2 combined total (15" minimum
St. Louis River Estuary March 1, 2024 size for walleye)
St. Croix River April 29, 2023 - 6 combined total (15" minimum
March 1, 2024 size for walleye)
Mississippi River, border water Continuous 4 combined total (15" minimum
portion of Pool 3 and Pools 4-8 size for walleye, only 1 walleye
including Lake Pepin or sauger over 20")

Continued on next page

66 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Wisconsin–Minnesota Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Walleye and sauger continued Continuous 6 combined total (15" minimum
size for walleye, all walleye from
Mississippi River downstream of
20-27" must be immediately
Lock and Dam 8
released, only 1 walleye over 27")
Largemouth and smallmouth bass May 27, 2023 - 5 combined total
St. Louis River Estuary March 1, 2024 (14" minimum size)
St. Croix River upstream May 27 - Sept. 10 5 (14" minimum size)
of Taylors Falls Dam
Sept. 11 - March 1, Catch-and-release only
2024
St. Croix River downstream May 27, 2023 - 5 (14" minimum size)
of Taylors Falls Dam to March 1, 2024
U.S. Hwy. 10 Bridge
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 5 (14" minimum size)
Northern pike May 13, 2023 - 2
St. Louis River Estuary March 1, 2024
St. Croix River April 29, 2023 - 5
March 1, 2024
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 3 (only 1 over 30")
Muskellunge May 27 - Nov. 30 1 (50" minimum size)
Perch
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 15
St. Louis River Estuary and 25
St. Croix
Catfish (channel and flathead) Channel catfish:
continuous
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin 10 combined total
Flathead catfish: (only 1 catfish over 30")
April 1 - Nov. 30
St. Louis River Estuary and 10 combined total
St. Croix

Rough fish (not including gar) Continuous No limit

Bullhead Continuous No limit

⁕NEW—Gar Continuous 10

White bass and yellow bass

Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 10 combined total
St. Louis River Estuary and 25 combined total
St. Croix

Continued on next page

Border Waters 67
Wisconsin–Minnesota Seasons and Limits continued
SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Crappie
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 15
St. Louis River Estuary and 25
St. Croix
Rock bass Continuous 25
Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed,
green, orangespotted, northern,
warmouth, and their hybrids)
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin Continuous 15
St. Louis River Estuary and 25
St. Croix
Paddlefish No open season
Lake sturgeon March 1 - April 14 Catch-and-release only;
St. Louis River Estuary and the no tag needed.
June 16, 2023 -
Mississippi River below the Red
April 14, 2024
Wing dam and Lake Pepin
Mississippi River above the Red June 16, 2023 - Catch-and-release only;
Wing dam to the mouth of the March 1, 2024 no tag needed.
St. Croix River
St. Croix River above Taylors Falls June 16, 2023 - Catch-and-release only;
March 1, 2024 no tag needed.
St. Croix River below Taylors Falls June 16 - Sept. 1 Catch-and-release only;
to mouth including Lake St. Croix no tag needed.
Sept. 2 - 30 1 per calendar year (60" minimum
size). A sturgeon tag is needed to
harvest a lake sturgeon. Details
on page 59.
Oct. 1, 2023 - Catch-and-release only;
March 1, 2024 no tag needed.
Shovelnose sturgeon June 16, 2023 - Catch-and-release only
St. Croix River including Lake March 1, 2024
St. Croix and Mississippi River
above Red Wing dam
Mississippi River below Continuous 3
Red Wing dam

68 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 BOWFISHING, SPEARING,
HARPOONING, AND DIP NETTING
BOWFISHING
Seasons and Limits
SPECIES SEASONS (DAY AND NIGHT) POSSESSION LIMIT
Bullhead 100
2023 Early Season: Feb. 27 - April 28, 2023

Sucker and Regular Statewide: April 30, 2023 - Feb. 26, 2024 50 each
redhorse 2024 Early Season: Feb. 26 - April 26, 2024
Carp, buffalo, (Early Seasons are south of Hwy 210, only on No limit
freshwater lakes and on Minnesota, Mississippi, or St. Croix
drum, bowfin, rivers. You must bowfish from a boat during the
goldeye early season.)

⁕NEW—Gar 10

Can I fish with a bow and arrow?

You can bowfish for rough fish over open water or through the ice in a fish house or
shelter, day or night, with or without lights, during the open season.
• You need a fishing license if you’re 16 or older unless you qualify for an angling
license exclusion.
• Arrows must have a barb and be attached to the bow with a tethered line.
• To possess a bow, you need to follow local ordinances. You can use a bow while
taking rough fish from a watercraft with or without a motor.
• From sunset to sunrise you cannot discharge a bow within 300 feet of a campsite or
within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
• You cannot make more than 65 decibels of noise on the “A” scale measured at a
distance of 50 feet from the boat.
• If you shoot a fish you have to try to retrieve the fish and your arrow.
• You can’t shoot a fish and throw it back in the water, leave it on any bank of any
waterway or any access site or otherwise illegally dispose of the fish.
• You can’t bowfish in designated trout lakes and streams nor in posted spawning areas.
Can I fish with a crossbow?
You cannot unless:
• You are age 60 or older; or you are disabled and have a valid crossbow permit.
Permit applications are available from the DNR website.
What species may I take when bowfishing?
You may only bowfish for rough fish, which include carp, buffalo, sucker, redhorse,
freshwater drum, bowfin, gar, goldeye and bullhead.
If I take fish by bowfishing can I also take fish by spearing, harpooning,
dip netting or seining?
Yes, but you cannot exceed the daily limit for each species taken with any combination
of bowfishing, spearing, harpooning, dip netting or seining equipment to reach the limit.

Bowfishing, Spearing, Harpooning, and Dip Netting 69

 SPEARING, HARPOONING AND DIP NETS
Seasons and Limits
SPECIES SEASONS (FROM SEASONS (FROM SUNRISE POSSESSION
SUNRISE TO SUNSET) TO SUNSET) LIMIT
Sucker Spearing: April 29, 50
2023 - Feb. 25, 2024
Bullhead 100

Redhorse Spearing: April 29, Harpooning, dip net 50

2023 - Feb. 18, 2024 and seine: May 1, 2023 -
Feb. 18, 2024
Carp, buffalo, No limit
freshwater
drum, bowfin

⁕NEW—Gar 10

Can I spear, harpoon or dip net for rough fish?

You can harpoon or dip net for rough fish from sunrise to sunset provided:
• You have a fishing license if you’re 16 or older unless you qualify for an angling
license exclusion.
• Speared or dead fish are not returned to the water or left on the banks.
What equipment can I use for rough fish?
• You can only use spears, underwater harpoons, dip nets, seines used for taking
smelt, traps used for taking minnows for bait or angling equipment and nets
associated with angling.
• You can use any spear.
• You can use an underwater harpoon or spear that is discharged by a
rubber-powered gun, spring gun or air gun and attached with a tethered line not
more than 20 feet long and discharged only when the equipment and the operator
are entirely under water.
• Harpoons may not be carried in a cocked position while out of the water.
• The hoops on hand-held dip nets cannot exceed 24" in diameter.
• During a closed season, you cannot possess spears, traps, dip nets, seines or
harpoons on or near any waters.
Where can I spear, harpoon or dip net for fish?
• All inland waters except Baby Lake (Cass County) and where taking fish is prohibited.
• You cannot harpoon within 1,000 feet of swimming beach.
• You can’t spear, harpoon or dip net in a designated trout stream or trout lake.
Can I sell or buy rough fish?
Yes. All rough fish can be bought or sold.
Can I take a limit of fish for each method?
No. You cannot exceed the daily limit for each species taken with any combination of
spearing, harpooning, dip netting or seining equipment to reach the limit. Fish taken by
bowfishing also are included in this limit.

70 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 DARK HOUSE SPEARING,
ICE ANGLING AND ICE SHELTERS
DARK HOUSE SPEARING
Seasons and Limits
SPECIES SPEARING SEASON ZONES AND POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)
Northern pike See Zone Map on page 23. For border waters or
Angling limits special regulations, refer to those sections.
differ, see
Northeast Zone: 2 (not more than 1 northern
page 21.
pike over 26")
From sunrise to
North-central Zone: 10 (either 2 northern pike over
sunset Nov. 15,
26" and none from 22 to 26" or
2023 - Feb. 25,
1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26")
2024 except where
prohibited. Southern Zone: 2 (minimum size 24")
Catfish 5 (only 1 over 24") (not more than 2 flathead);
flathead catfish can only be speared from
Nov. 15 - Nov. 30.
Whitefish and No limit
rough fish (not
including gar)
For other
species see
table on
page 22.
⁕NEW—Gar 10

What is a dark house?

Any structure that is darkened to view fish under the ice. Holes in the ice are cut inside
these structures so fish can be speared. Please mark your holes upon leaving.
Do I need a license to spear from a dark house?
Residents age 18 through 89 and nonresidents age 18 and older need a spearing license
and an angling license. Youth age 16 and 17 need an angling license but do not need a
spearing license.
What methods can I use while spearing in a dark house?
• You can use spears.
• You may fish with one additional line but any fish caught must be landed
immediately and not left out as a decoy.
• You cannot use artificial lights to see fish or attract fish when spearing.
• You can use lighted decoy fish but any battery in the lighted decoy must not
contain mercury.
What species of fish can I spear from a dark house?
Northern pike, catfish, whitefish and rough fish.
Continued on page 74
Dark House Spearing, Ice Angling and Ice Shelters 71
If more than one person is spearing in a dark house, how many fish can you spear?
Party fishing does not apply to spearing. Each person can only spear their own fish.
Where can I spear fish in a dark house?
Most inland waters. Only Baby Lake (Cass County) is closed to dark house spearing.
For border waters, more details can be found on pages 58-68.

ICE ANGLING
How many lines can I use through the ice?
Two, except on designated trout lakes and streams you can only use one line.
How far away can I go from my lines?
You must remain within sight of your line. If you’re using a tip-up (a device with spooled
line and a flag that pops up to indicate when a fish bites) you need to be within 200 feet.
Does ice fishing have any other regulations that differ from open water fishing
besides the number of lines I can use?
No, anglers must follow all general and special regulations.

ICE SHELTERS
What is a shelter?
A fish house, dark house, or other structure that is set on the ice to provide shelter.
What is a portable shelter?
A portable shelter is one that collapses, folds, or is disassembled for transportation.
Portable shelters do not include trailer/campers with or without slide-outs.
Do I need a license for my fish house or dark house?
• All shelters, except portable shelters, placed on the ice in inland and Canadian
border waters need a shelter license.
• However, portable shelters in inland and Canadian border waters need a license if a
person leaves the portable shelter unattended any time between midnight and one
hour before sunrise, or is not within 200 feet of the portable shelter.
• The fish house license tag must be readily visible from the exterior of the shelter.
• A shelter license is not required on the border waters between Minnesota and
Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
• A shelter license is valid from March 1 through April 30 of the following year.
Do I need any kind of identification on my shelter?
All shelters need identification, except portable shelters that are occupied. Occupying
a shelter means staying within 200 feet of it. Identification means:
• One of the following: owner’s name and address; owner’s driver’s license number;
or owner’s Minnesota DNR identification number.
• Identification must be readily visible from the exterior of the shelter with
characters at least 2" high.
Where can I place my shelter?
• Anywhere on Minnesota waters. Shelters must be no closer than 10 feet apart.
• In the BWCAW you can use a shelter but must remove it from the ice each night
and each time you leave the BWCAW.
Continued on next page
74 2022 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Are there any regulations about shelters I must comply with?
Any shelters on the ice overnight must have at least 2 square inches of reflective
material on each side.
Are there different shelter regulations for border waters for adjacent states?
If you are on border waters between Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa or North and
South Dakota, the regulations for the state that issues your fishing license apply for
your shelter.
Does the trailer I use to haul my fish house, fishing equipment or fish house on
wheels need to be registered?
Yes. See your local deputy registrar for trailer registration.
Can I use a fish shelter after the removal date?
Yes. After removal dates, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one
hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended.
What happens if I don’t remove my shelter before the deadline?
The owners of the shelter will be prosecuted, and the structure and contents may be
confiscated or destroyed by a conservation officer.
Can I leave my shelter on a public access site after I take it off the ice?
No.
What happens if I don’t remove fish house blocking materials placed under
a fish house to keep it from freezing to the ice surface, or trash that was
generated during ice fishing activities?
• Anglers are required to remove all litter or trash generated during ice fishing
activities.
• Anglers can be issued a citation for littering or a civil citation for a solid waste
violation or for products left on the ice due to ice fishing activities.

Shelter Removal Dates

All shelters must be off the ice no later
than midnight for each of the dates
given in the following categories below. Inland waters
Inland Waters March 20, 2023
Dates of removal are determined March 18, 2024
by an east-west line formed by U.S.
Highway 10, east along Highway 34 to
Minnesota Highway 200, east along
Highway 200 to U.S. Highway 2, and
east along Highway 2 to the Minnesota– Inland waters
March 6, 2023
Wisconsin border.
March 4, 2024
Border Waters
• Minnesota–Iowa, February 20
• Minnesota–Wisconsin, March 1
• Minnesota–North and South Dakota,
March 5
• Minnesota–Canada, March 31

Dark House Spearing, Ice Angling and Ice Shelters 75

 ILLUSTRATED FISH OF MINNESOTA
Knowing what fish species you are catching is not only fun, but in many cases it’s
required by law. It is particularly important to know how to distinguish walleye
from sauger (and saugeye), to know the difference between northern pike and
muskellunge, and to be able to tell what species of trout or salmon you catch.

Walleye and Sauger

No spots on dorsal fin
Dark area at base of dorsal fin
Walleye

White spot on
bottom of tail
Maynard Reece

Spots on dorsal fin

Sauger No dark area at base of dorsal fin

Duane Raver, USFWS

Walleye and sauger hybrid fillets are counted as part of a walleye possession limit
during transportation.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Largemouth

Duane Raver, USFWS

Back of mouth goes way

beyond back of eye
Smallmouth

Duane Raver, USFWS

Back of mouth goes only
to middle of eye
76
Northern Pike and Muskellunge
Muskellunge Muskie illustrations
courtesy of
©Muskies Inc.
Clear

Paired fins having Tail with

more pointed tips pointed tips

Six or more pores on each Spotted

side under jaw

Barred
Coloration with vertical dark markings on a light background
(Juvenile pattern similar to that of adults)

Tail with
Tiger (hybrid) Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy X Esox lucius) rounded tips
Coloration having irregular narrow vertical dark markings on a light
background with stripes merging onto the back in an interlocking pattern

Paired fins having

rounded tips

Tail with more rounded tips

Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Coloration with pattern of
horizontal rows of light round to
oval spots on a dark background
Five or fewer pores on
each side under jaw
Paired fins having
more rounded tips ©MN DNR,
(Juvenile pattern has white, oblique bars C. Iverson
which extend from the white belly)

Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Square tail

Channel Catfish

Forked tail

77
Trout and Salmon

Brown Trout
Large dark spots Square tail
and red dots on
brown body

Duane Raver, USFWS

Light, wormlike
markings on dark
Brook Trout upper body

White
leading edge
on lower fins
Duane Raver, USFWS

Brook
To tell a brook trout from a splake from a lake trout, look at the tail. Trout
A splake is a cross between a brook trout and a lake trout.
Splake
Lake
Trout

Lake Trout
White spots on
grayish body
Forked tail
©MN DNR, C. Iverson
White leading edge on lower fins

Usually a pink stripe on silvery body

Steelhead
(Rainbow Trout)
Small spots
Inside mouth
throughout tail
is white

10 rays in anal fin

Joseph Tomelleri

Pink Salmon
Small scales
Spawning male
has hump on
back.
Some eye-sized
spots in tail and
on back
Green and white
blotches on spawning fish Tim Knepp, USFWS

78
Chinook Salmon
Inside mouth Spots
is dark throughout
tail

15-17 rays in anal fin

Joseph Tomelleri

Coho Salmon
Inside mouth
Spots in top half
is gray
of tail only

13-15 rays in anal fin

Tim Knepp, USFWS

Rainbow Trout
Small black dots
Pinkish stripe
throughout the body
on silvery body
that extend into tail

Duane Raver, USFWS

Rainbow Trout and Salmon Identification Guide

Rainbow trout: The shape of the anal fin is another way to
white mouth identify these species. This can easily be seen
by depressing the front edge of the anal fin
Coho salmon and
to its base.
Chinook salmon:
grayish to black mouth base

anal fin
front edge

Rainbow trout: tail has Rainbow trout: tip falls to or beyond end of base
many small spots in
distinct rows.
Coho salmon: tail has
some large spots mostly Coho salmon: tip falls slightly past middle
on the upper half.
Chinook salmon: Tail has
large spots throughout,
especially in the silver Chinook salmon: tip falls short of middle
area at the base of
the tail.

79
 How to Measure the Total Length of a Fish
To determine the legal length of a fish, lay it flat on its side, pinch or squeeze the
tail to maximize length, and measure from the nose or jaw, whichever is longer, to
the farthest part of the tail when fully extended.

Mouth closed

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Push tip
of tail
down

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Sturgeon image by Maynard Reece

Weigh Your Fish With a Ruler

Fish are sometimes injured when weighed. With this chart, you can quickly
determine the approximate weight of your fish using a ruler or tape measure.
Crappie Crappie Trout Trout Bass Bass Walleye Walleye Northern Northern
length weight length weight length weight length weight length weight
(inches) (lbs.) (inches) (lbs.) (inches) (lbs.) (inches) (lbs.) (inches) (lbs.)
8 0.3 8 0.2 12 1.0 14 0.9 18 1.2
9 0.4 9 0.3 13 1.3 15 1.1 19 1.4
10 0.6 10 0.4 14 1.7 16 1.3 20 1.6
11 0.8 11 0.6 15 2.1 17 1.6 21 1.9
12 1.1 12 0.8 16 2.5 18 2 22 2.2
13 1.4 13 0.9 17 3.0 19 2.3 23 2.5
14 1.8 14 1.1 18 3.6 20 2.7 24 2.9
15 2.2 15 1.4 19 4.2 21 3.2 25 3.3
16 2.7 16 1.6 20 5.0 22 3.6 26 3.8
17 3.3 17 1.8 21 5.7 23 4.2 27 4.2
18 2.3 22 6.6 24 4.8 28 4.7
23 7.6 25 5.4 29 5.3
Sunfish Sunfish Muskie Muskie
length weight length weight 26 6.2 30 5.8
(inches) (lbs.) (inches) (lbs.) 27 6.9 31 6.5
6 0.2 48 29 28 7.9 32 7.1
7 0.3 49 32      33 7.9
8 0.4 50 34 34 8.7
9 0.6 51 36 35 9.3
10 0.9 52 39 36 10.4
11 1.1 53 41 These figures are
37 11.5
12 1.5 54 44 rough estimates only.
38 12.2
13 1.9 55    47 Actual weights vary slightly 39 13.2
14 2.4 56 50 by season and waterbody. 40 16

80 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Boat and Water Safety
Everyone on your boat needs to have an accessible, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life
vest of the proper size and type. In addition, if the boat is 16 feet or longer, there must
also be an approved throwable device such as a boater’s seat cushion or ring buoy.
Children under the age of ten must wear a life jacket on board any boat underway.
Underway means not attached to a permanent mooring or tied to a dock. There are
exceptions to the law for: children who are below the top deck, or in an enclosed
cabin, or on a boat operated by a licensed captain, or on a boat that is anchored for the
purpose of swimming or diving.
It’s always a good idea to wear your life jacket. Most fatal boating mishaps occur
when boats capsize or people fall overboard, especially on small boats. These types of
accidents can happen even on calm waters, while traveling at slow speed or stopped.
For a complete summary of the boating regulations and safety information, contact the
DNR Information Center for a copy of the Minnesota Boating Guide, or find it online
at mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater. For rules pertaining to the use of motorboats within
Wildlife Management Areas, refer to the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Handbook or call the DNR.

9 out of 10 boating deaths

could be prevented
by wearing a life jacket.

mndnr.gov/boatingsafety

Additional Information 81
Aquatic Management Areas
The DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife acquires land along lakes and streams to protect
critical fish habitat and to provide fishing opportunities. These areas, known as Aquatic
Management Areas (AMAs), have specific use types (easement, restricted use and
general use) and are posted with signs that indicate allowable and unauthorized uses
for each use type. As a reminder it is always unlawful to leave any personal equipment,
such as tree stands, unattended on AMAs. For more information on AMAs please go to
the AMA Finder at: mndnr.gov/amas.
Catch-and-Release
Catch-and-release fishing offers anglers a way to enjoy their sport with less harm to
the resource.
• Do not plan to release fish that have been on a stringer or in a livewell.
• Play and land the fish quickly.
• Don’t angle for fish in very deep water, unless you plan to keep what you catch.
Fizzing of fish, or the act of inserting a needle into a fish intended to deflate the gas
bladder, caught from deep water can do more harm than good and is not legal.
• Handle the fish gently and keep it in the water as much as possible.
• Do not hold the fish by the eye sockets or gills, but rather by the lower lip or under
the gill plate and also support the belly of the fish.
• Wet your hands before touching a fish to prevent removing its protective coating.
• If a hook is deeply embedded, cut the line so that at least 1" hangs out of the mouth.
This helps the hook to lay flush when the fish takes in food.
• Circle hooks may help in reducing deeply hooked fish. They are made to hook fish in
the mouth.
• A fish that can be legally kept should not be released if it is bleeding heavily, which
indicates its chance of survival is poor.
• You cannot target a species during its closed season, even if you plan to release it.
Managing Minnesota’s Fisheries
The DNR Fish and Wildlife Division is responsible for managing the state’s diverse
fisheries resources (4,500 fishable lakes and 16,000 miles of fishable streams).
Each year, roughly 2 million people fish in Minnesota, and sport fishing generates
approximately $2.4 billion in direct expenditures, making angling one of the state’s
largest industries.
Much of Minnesota’s fisheries program is reimbursed by the Federal Aid in Sport
Fish Restoration Program (federal excise tax), administered by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
Master Angler Program
The Fishing Hall of Fame of Minnesota in partnership with DNR recognizes anglers who
catch large fish of various species. Categories include adult, youth, and catch-and-release.
For more information on becoming a Master Angler, visit the DNR website or
fishinghalloffamemn.com
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
The program provides funding for projects to restore, enhance, and protect
Minnesota’s fish, game, and wildlife habitat. See mndnr.gov/cpl for details.

82 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 STATE RECORD FISH PROGRAM
Catch-and-Release Length
Why a record length program?
To track and record angler catches based on the measured total length of a fish rather
than the certified weight, allowing anglers to preserve large fish by immediately
releasing them.
What fish are eligible?
Muskellunge, northern pike, lake sturgeon, and flathead catfish. These fish are
large, typically targeted as trophies and commonly caught and released by anglers.
Records are updated at the end of each calendar year. As of January 2023, the
catch-and-release records are: muskellunge, 58 1 ⁄4", Mille Lacs Lake (Mille Lacs County);
lake sturgeon, 78", St. Croix River (Washington County); flathead catfish, 521 ⁄2", St. Croix
River (Washington County); northern pike, 461 ⁄4", Basswood Lake (Lake County).
How do I submit an application?
Complete rules and an application are available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/
recordfish. Each application must include a photo of the fish being measured next to a
ruler and be witnessed by someone willing to vouch for the catch.

Certified Weight
If you catch and keep a fish that you think could be a record weight, follow these steps:
• Take the fish to a DNR fisheries office for positive identification and a state record
fish application.
• Weigh the fish on a state-certified scale (found at most bait shops and butcher
shops), witnessed by two observers.
• Complete the application and send it along with a clear, full-length photo of your
fish to the address listed on the form.
• DNR does not keep line class records.
The following is a complete list of Minnesota’s state record certified weight fish and
the county where they were caught. Weights given are in pounds and ounces (example:
55-5 is 55 pounds, 5 ounces). No additional species or hybrids are being considered for
certified weight state record fish.

Bass, Largemouth: 8-15, Auburn Lake Bullhead, Black: 3-13, Reno Lake (Pope).
(Carver).
Bullhead, Brown: 7-1, Shallow Lake (Itasca).
Bass, Rock: 2-0, Osakis Lake (Todd); and
Bullhead, Yellow: 3-10, Osakis Lake (Todd).
2-0, Lake Winnibigoshish (Cass).
Burbot: 19-10, Lake of the Woods
Bass, Smallmouth: 8-0, West Battle Lake
(Lake of the Woods).
(Otter Tail).
Carp, Common: 55-5, Clearwater Lake
Bass, White: 4-8, Vadnais Lake (Ramsey).
(Wright).
Bowfin: 12-9, Mississippi River (Wabasha).
Carpsucker, Quillback: 7-4, Upper Red Lake
Buffalo, Bigmouth: 41-11, Mississippi River (Beltrami).
(Goodhue).
Carpsucker, River: 4-6, Minnesota River
Buffalo, Smallmouth: 20-0, Big Sandy (Carver).
(Aitkin). Continued on next page
State Record Fish Program 83
Catfish, Channel: 38-0, Mississippi River Salmon, Chinook: 33-4, Poplar River
(Hennepin). (Cook); and 33-4, Lake Superior (St. Louis).
Catfish, Flathead: 70-0, St. Croix River Salmon, Coho: 10-6, Lake Superior (Lake).
(Washington).
Salmon, Kokanee: 2-15, Caribou Lake
Cisco (Tullibee): 5-13, Sybil Lake (Itasca).
(Otter Tail).
Salmon, Pink: 4-8, Cascade River (Cook).
Crappie, Black: 5-0, Vermillion River
Sauger: 6-2, Mississippi River (Goodhue).
(Dakota).
Saugeye (Walleye-Sauger Hybrid): 9-13,
Crappie, White: 3-15, Lake Constance
Mississippi River (Goodhue).
(Wright).
Sturgeon, Lake: 94-4, Kettle River (Pine).
Drum, Freshwater (Sheepshead): 35-3,
Mississippi River (Winona). Sturgeon Shovelnose: 6-7, Mississippi River
(Goodhue).
Gar, Longnose: 16-12, St. Croix River
(Washington). Sucker, Longnose: 3-10, Brule River (Cook).
Gar, Shortnose: 5-4, Minnesota River Sucker, White: 9-1, Big Fish Lake (Stearns).
(Renville). Sunfish, Bluegill: 2-13, Alice Lake
Goldeye: 3-5, Minnesota River (Hubbard).
(Blue Earth). Sunfish, Green: 1-4, North Arbor Lake
Hogsucker, Northern: 1-15, Sunrise River (Hennepin).
(Chisago). Sunfish, Hybrid: 1-12, Zumbro River
Mooneye: 1-15, Minnesota River (Olmsted); and 1-12, Green Lake
(Redwood). (Kandiyohi).
Muskellunge: 55-14, Mille Lacs Lake Sunfish, Pumpkinseed: 1-5, Leech Lake
(Mille Lacs). (Cass).
Muskellunge, Tiger: 34-12, Lake Elmo Trout, Brook: 6-5, Pigeon River (Cook).
(Washington). Trout, Brown: 16-12, Lake Superior
Perch, Yellow: 3-4, Lake Plantagenet (St. Louis).
(Hubbard). Trout, Lake: 43-8, Lake Superior (Cook).
Pike, Northern: 45-12, Basswood Lake Trout, Rainbow (Steelhead): 16-6, Devil
(Lake). Track River (Cook).
Redhorse, Golden: 4-8, Otter Tail River Trout, Splake: 13-5, Larson Lake (Itasca).
(Otter Tail).
Trout, Tiger: 2-9, Mill Creek (Olmsted).
Redhorse, Greater: 12-11, Sauk River
(Stearns). Walleye: 17-8, Seagull River (Cook).

Redhorse, River: 12-10, Kettle River (Pine). Warmouth: 0-9, Bartlet Lake (Winona).

Redhorse, Shorthead: 7-15, Rum River Whitefish, Lake: 13-9, Lake of the Woods
(Anoka). (Roseau).

Redhorse, Silver: 10-6, Rainy River (Lake Whitefish, Round (Menominee): 2-7, Lake
of the Woods). Superior (Cook).

Salmon, Atlantic: 12-13, Baptism River

(Lake).

84 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 CONTACT INFORMATION
Conservation Officer
Call the DNR Information Center to connect with a Conservation
Officer: 888-MINNDNR (888-646-6367). If you witness a violation in
progress or need to contact a Conservation Officer immediately, call
the Turn in Poachers 24-hour hotline: 800-652-9093.

Licenses Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

DNR License Center Permits and reservations are not under
500 Lafayette Road DNR jurisdiction. This is a national forest
St. Paul, MN 55155-4026 wilderness area.
Watercraft registration: 800-285-2000 For information, contact:
Phone license sales: 888-665-4236 Superior National Forest 8901
Internet sales: mndnr.gov Grand Avenue Place Duluth, MN 55808
DNR general information Information: 218-626-4300
888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157 Reservations: 877-444-6777
[email protected] recreation.gov

Information on and reporting Voyageurs National Park

harmful invasive species 218-283-6600
651-259-5100 or 888-646-6367 Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 218-847-2641
612-713-5360

DNR Fisheries Headquarters and Offices

Northwest Region Northeast Region Central Region South Region
Bemidji Grand Rapids Central Headquarters South Headquarters
Headquarters Headquarters 651-259-5831 507-233-1215
218-308-2623 218-328-8831 Garrison Area Hutchinson Area
Baudette Area Aitkin Area (Mille Lacs) 320-753-0339
218-395-6040 218-429-3010 320-692-0085 Ortonville Area
Bemidji Area Brainerd Area Hinckley Area 320-839-2656
218-308-2339 218-203-4302 320-384-7721 Spicer Area
Detroit Lakes Area Duluth and Lake Lake City Area 320-409-2040
218-846-8290 Superior Area 651-299-4010 Waterville Area
Fergus Falls Area 218-302-3264 Lanesboro Area 507-497-1820
218-671-7931 Finland Area 507-467-2442 Windom Area
Glenwood Area 218-353-8840 Little Falls Area 507-832-6020
320-634-7321 Grand Marais Area 320-232-1064
Park Rapids Area 218-387-6021 Metro East Area
218-552-2310 Grand Rapids Area 651-259-5831
Walker Area 218-328-8836 Metro West Area
218-552-2330 International Falls Area 952-236-5170
218-598-8190 Sauk Rapids Area
Tower Area 320-223-7878
218-300-7802
Contact Information 85
 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE
The following table is provided primarily for trout and salmon anglers who need to know
the sunrise and sunset times on the waters they fish. Times shown are approximations
of sunrise and sunset and vary by where you are located. Times shown are Central
Daylight Saving Time beginning March 12, 2023 through November 4, 2023. Central
Standard Time for all other dates.

Sunrise/Sunset Table—March 2023 though August 2023

DATE MAR. MAR. APR. APR. MAY MAY JUNE JUNE JULY JULY AUG. AUG.
SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN-
RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET
1 6:47 6:00 6:55 7:41 6:03 8:18 5:30 8:52 5:30 9:04 5:58 8:40
2 6:46 6:02 6:53 7:42 6:02 8:20 5:29 8:53 5:31 9:03 5:59 8:39
3 6:45 6:03 6:51 7:43 6:00 8:21 5:29 8:54 5:31 9:03 6:00 8:38
4 6:42 6:04 6:49 7:44 5:59 8:22 5:28 8:55 5:32 9:03 6:01 8:36
5 6:40 6:06 6:47 7:46 5:57 8:23 5:28 8:56 5:32 9:02 6:03 8:35
6 6:38 6:07 6:45 7:47 5:56 8:24 5:28 8:56 5:33 9:02 6:04 8:34
7 6:37 6:08 6:43 7:48 5:55 8:26 5:27 8:57 5:34 9:02 6:05 8:32
8 6:35 6:10 6:42 7:49 5:53 8:27 5:27 8:58 5:35 9:01 6:06 8:31
9 6:33 6:12 6:40 7:51 5:52 8:28 5:27 8:58 5:35 9:01 6:07 8:29
10 6:31 6:13 6:38 7:52 5:51 8:29 5:26 8:59 5:36 9:00 6:08 8:28
11 6:29 6:14 6:36 7:53 5:49 8:30 5:26 8:59 5:37 9:00 6:10 8:26
12 7:31 7:15 6:34 7:54 5:48 8:32 5:26 9:00 5:38 8:59 6:11 8:25
13 7:28 6:14 6:33 7:56 5:47 8:33 5:26 9:01 5:39 8:59 6:12 8:23
14 7:27 7:18 6:31 7:57 5:46 8:34 5:26 9:01 5:39 8:58 6:13 8:22
15 7:25 7:19 6:29 7:58 5:45 8:35 5:26 9:01 5:40 8:57 6:14 8:20
16 7:24 7:20 6:27 7:59 5:43 8:36 5:26 9:02 5:41 8:56 6:16 8:18
17 7:23 7:21 6:26 8:01 5:42 8:37 5:26 9:02 5:42 8:56 6:17 8:17
18 7:21 7:23 6:24 8:02 5:41 8:38 5:26 9:03 5:43 8:55 6:18 8:15
19 7:19 7:24 6:22 8:03 5:40 8:40 5:26 9:03 5:44 8:54 6:19 8:14
20 7:17 7:25 6:21 8:05 5:39 8:41 5:26 9:03 5:45 8:53 6:20 8:12
21 7:15 7:27 6:19 8:06 5:38 8:42 5:26 9:03 5:46 8:52 6:22 8:10
22 7:13 7:28 6:17 8:07 5:37 8:43 5:27 9:04 5:47 8:51 6:23 8:09
23 7:11 7:29 6:16 8:08 5:36 8:44 5:27 9:04 5:48 8:50 6:24 8:07
24 7:10 7:30 6:14 8:10 5:36 8:45 5:27 9:04 5:49 8:49 6:25 8:05
25 7:08 7:32 6:12 8:11 5:35 8:46 5:27 9:04 5:50 8:48 6:26 8:03
26 7:06 7:33 6:11 8:12 5:34 8:47 5:28 9:04 5:51 8:47 6:28 8:02
27 7:04 7:34 6:09 8:13 5:33 8:48 5:28 9:04 5:52 8:46 6:29 8:00
28 7:02 7:35 6:08 8:15 5:32 8:49 5:29 9:04 5:54 8:45 6:30 7:58
29 7:00 7:37 6:06 8:16 5:32 8:50 5:29 9:04 5:55 8:44 6:31 7:56
30 6:58 7:38 6:05 8:17 5:31 8:51 5:30 9:04 5:56 8:43 6:32 7:55
31 6:56 7:39 No data No data 5:30 8:52 No data No data 5:57 8:41 6:33 7:53

86 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

The times in the table below
are for the longitudinal line
running north and south through
Minneapolis/St. Paul.
To find the sunrise or sunset
hours on the water you fish, go to
mndnr.gov/sunrise-sunset/

Sunrise/Sunset Table—September 2023 though February 2024

DATE SEPT. SEPT. OCT. OCT. NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC. JAN. JAN. FEB. FEB.
SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN- SUN-
RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET
1 6:35 7:51 7:11 6:54 7:52 6:01 7:31 4:33 7:52 4:42 7:33 5:21
2 6:36 7:49 7:12 6:52 7:53 5:59 7:32 4:33 7:52 4:43 7:32 5:22
3 6:37 7:47 7:13 6:51 7:55 5:58 7:33 4:33 7:52 4:44 7:31 5:24
4 6:38 7:45 7:14 6:49 7:56 5:57 7:34 4:32 7:52 4:45 7:30 5:25
5 6:39 7:44 7:16 6:47 6:56 4:55 7:35 4:32 7:51 4:46 7:29 5:27
6 6:41 7:42 7:17 6:45 6:58 4:53 7:36 4:32 7:51 4:47 7:27 5:28
7 6:42 7:40 7:18 6:43 7:00 4:53 7:37 4:32 7:51 4:48 7:26 5:29
8 6:43 7:38 7:19 6:41 7:01 4:52 7:38 4:32 7:51 4:49 7:25 5:31
9 6:44 7:36 7:21 6:40 7:02 4:51 7:39 4:32 7:51 4:50 7:23 5:32
10 6:45 7:34 7:22 6:38 7:04 4:50 7:40 4:32 7:50 4:52 7:22 5:34
11 6:47 7:32 7:23 6:36 7:05 4:49 7:41 4:32 7:50 4:53 7:20 5:35
12 6:48 7:30 7:25 6:34 7:06 4:48 7:42 4:32 7:50 4:54 7:19 5:37
13 6:49 7:28 7:26 6:32 7:08 4:47 7:43 4:32 7:49 4:55 7:18 5:38
14 6:50 7:27 7:27 6:31 7:09 4:46 7:44 4:32 7:49 4:56 7:16 5:39
15 6:51 7:25 7:28 6:29 7:10 4:45 7:44 4:32 7:48 4:58 7:15 5:41
16 6:53 7:23 7:30 6:27 7:12 4:44 7:45 4:32 7:48 4:59 7:13 5:42
17 6:54 7:21 7:31 6:25 7:13 4:43 7:46 4:33 7:47 5:00 7:12 5:44
18 6:55 7:19 7:32 6:24 7:14 4:42 7:46 4:33 7:46 5:01 7:10 5:45
19 6:56 7:17 7:34 6:22 7:16 4:41 7:47 4:33 7:46 5:03 7:08 5:46
20 6:57 7:15 7:35 6:20 7:17 4:40 7:48 4:34 7:45 5:04 7:07 5:48
21 6:59 7:13 7:36 6:19 7:18 4:39 7:48 4:34 7:44 5:05 7:05 5:49
22 7:00 7:11 7:38 6:17 7:20 4:39 7:49 4:35 7:43 5:07 7:04 5:51
23 7:01 7:09 7:39 6:16 7:21 4:38 7:49 4:35 7:42 5:08 7:02 5:52
24 7:02 7:08 7:40 6:14 7:22 4:37 7:50 4:36 7:42 5:10 7:00 5:53
25 7:03 7:06 7:42 6:12 7:24 4:36 7:50 4:37 7:41 5:11 6:59 5:55
26 7:05 7:04 7:43 6:11 7:25 4:36 7:50 4:37 7:40 5:12 6:57 5:56
27 7:06 7:02 7:44 6:09 7:26 4:35 7:51 4:38 7:39 5:14 6:55 5:58
28 7:07 7:00 7:46 6:08 7:27 4:35 7:51 4:39 7:38 5:15 6:53 5:59
29 7:08 6:58 7:46 6:07 7:28 4:34 7:51 4:39 7:37 5:17 No data No data
30 7:09 6:56 7:48 6:05 7:30 4:34 7:51 4:40 7:36 5:18 No data No data
31 No data No data 7:50 6:03 No data No data 7:51 4:41 7:35 5:19 No data No data

Sunrise/Sunset Table 87
 HEALTH ADVISORY AND FISH
EATING GUIDELINES
Most fish are healthy to eat and are a great source of protein, healthy fats (Omega-3s),
and important vitamins, but any fish (store-bought or sport-caught) could have
contaminants such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that can harm
human health—especially children and fetuses. The Minnesota Department of Health
lets people know how often fish can be safely eaten.
The guidelines on the following page are based on contaminants measured in fish from
lakes across the state. For more information, call the Minnesota Department of Health
at 651-201-4911, toll-free at 800-657-3908 or visit health.state.mn.us/fish
Tips for safe fish eating
• For consumption advice on individual waters that have been tested visit
mndnr.gov/lakefind.
• Older and larger predator fish (walleyes, northern pike, lake trout) contain more
mercury—eat smaller predators.
• Eat more panfish (sunfish, crappies) and fewer fish that eat other fish (walleyes,
northern pike, lake trout).
• PCBs accumulate the most in fatty fishes such as carp, catfish, and lake trout.
Consejos para el consumo saludable de pescado
• Los peces depredadores mayores y más grandes (Lucioperca, Lucio Norteño, Trucha
de Lago) contienen más mercurio, comen depredadores más pequeños.
• Coma más peces como Pomosios y Pez Sol y menos pescados que comen otros
peces como Lucioperca, Lucio Norteño y Trucha de Lago.
• Remueva la piel y la grasa, especialmente la grasa alrededor de la barriga. También
coma menos pescados que tienen más grasa como Bagre, Carpa y Trucha de lago.
Tej yam qhia noj ntse kom txhob muaj teeb meem
• Cov ntses loj xws li (walleyes, northern pike, lake trout) nws muaj cov kua hlau ntau
nyob rau hauv nws lub cev, yog li nej yuav tsum noj cov ntses me.
• Noj cov ntse pluav xws lis (xafiv = sunfish, kabpib = crappies) thiab yog cov ntse uas
tom lwm yam ntse no ces noj kom tsawg xws lis (vaulais = walleyes, novtaw phaij =
northern pike, lej rhauj = lake trout).
• Yim cov tawv thiab roj, qhov tseem ceeb tshaj yog cov roj tawm npluag plab. Tsis
tag lis xwb yuav tsum noj cov ntse rog kom tsawg lis tsawg tau xws lis pamnais, ntse
tuajkub, thiab (lej rhauj = lake trout).

• Cá lỏ́n và trưởng thành chủ́a nhiều chất ô nhiễn (mercury). Thì dụ như cá walleye,
cá hồi, cá trê.
• Nên ăn loại nhỏ cỡ như cá Rô (sunfish), cá hồi (lake trout).
• Không nên ăn da và mỡ cá, nhất là phâ ̀n mỡ ở bụng cá. Mặt khác, nên ăn ít
những loại cá có nhiều mỡ như cá chép, cá trê hoặc cá bông lau, và cá hồi.

88 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 STATEWIDE CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES FOR FISH
CAUGHT IN MINNESOTA
For consumption advice on individual waters that have been tested visit
mndnr.gov/lakefind

Children and Women of Child-bearing Age:

• Sunfish
• Crappie One meal per week
• Perch Una comida por semana
• Bullhead Ib as thiv, ib pluag
• Stream trout
• Cisco
• Whitefish

• Walleye
• Northern pike One meal per month
• Catfish Una comida por mes
• Lake trout Ib hli, ib pluag
• All sizes of
other species

Do not eat
• Muskellunge
No comer
Tsis txhob noj hlos lis

Other Adults:
Check health.state.mn.us/
fish for current guidance
• Sunfish
Consulte health.state.
• Crappie
mn.us/fish para obtener
• Perch
información actualizada
• Bullhead
• Stream trout Saib health.state.mn.us/fish
• Cisco rau cov lus qhia tam sim no
• Whitefish Tham khảo health.state.
mn.us/fish để biết thêm
thông tin

• All sizes of One meal per week

other species Una comida por semana
Ib as thiv, ib pluag

Fish Illustrations ©MN DNR, C. Iverson

Health Advisory and Fish Eating Guidelines 89

Aquatic Plant Permit Requirements
Water plants such as bulrushes are essential for healthy lake ecosystems. They
reduce wave erosion, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and purify water. Because
lake plants can interfere with swimming and boating by lakeshore owners—but are
also vital to lake health—the DNR allows removal under the following conditions.
DNR permit is NOT required to cut or pull submersed (underwater) plants as long as:
• The area does not extend along more than 50 feet of your shoreline or
one-half the length of your frontage, whichever is less;
• The total area is less than 2,500 square feet (except for boat channels); and
• The plants are immediately and permanently disposed of on high ground
where they can’t re-enter the water.
DNR permit IS required to:
• Remove emergent plants (such as bulrushes, cattails, and wild rice).
• Use herbicides or algicides in Minnesota lakes.
• Install or use an automated device such as the Crary WeedRoller®
• Remove water lilies (other than in a narrow channel extending to open water).
• Remove plants in an area larger than 2,500 square feet or wider than 50 feet.
A person who illegally destroys plants can be cited and made to pay for the
restoration of those plants.
Dark
For more information, call House
your Spearing,
regional Ice Angling
DNR office (page 85) and Iceour
or visit Shelters
website
at mndnr.gov/apm/aquatic-plant-management-permits.html
 I will always DISPOSE
of unwanted bait
in the trash.

Pledge to do your part. Protect Minnesota

waters from invasive species.
mndnr.gov/AISPledge

Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

Never release bait. Releasing bait is illegal because

it threatens Minnesota’s fisheries. Bait and bait
water can spread fish diseases and invasive species.
All earthworms are nonnative to Minnesota and
damage forests if released.

To Keep leftover live baitfish: (1) bring extra bottled

or dechlorinated tap water with you and (2) on
shore before leaving, you must always drain your
bait container and refill it with the extra water.

mndnr.gov/AISanglers

EWR_0043_2023
 CALL US
Interpreters are available to answer all of your questions
License, titling and registration: M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
General information: M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
888-MINNDNR or 651-296-6157
[email protected]

mnfish mn_fish

TURN IN POACHERS
24-hour hotline, 800-652-9093

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
888-MINNDNR or 651-296-6157
mndnr.gov

The Minnesota DNR prohibits discrimination in its programs and services based on race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, and
status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable
accommodation to access or participate in DNR programs and services please contact
the DNR ADA Title II Coordinator at [email protected], 651-296-6157, or through MN
Relay Service 711. Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette
Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4049.
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by
contacting [email protected], 651-296-6157. For TTY/TDD communication contact us
through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 800-627-3529.
©2023, State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources.

Publication printed using vegetable-based ink. Please recycle.

FAW_0024_23

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