Minnesota · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Minnesota.

Minnesota is the walleye capital — Mille Lacs, Leech, and the BWCAW define the identity — but Driftless trout streams in the southeast and North Shore steelhead provide a complete fishing program.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Minnesota. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the MN DNR and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. A Lake Superior trout/salmon stamp is required for North Shore tributaries and Lake Superior. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the MN DNR before purchase.

Freshwater

Walleye is the state fish and the dominant target — Mille Lacs, Leech, Vermilion, and the Boundary Waters. Northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, lake trout, and panfish round out the inland fishery. Walleye and pike have specific seasons and lake-specific limits.

Rivers

Driftless trout streams in the southeast — the Whitewater, Rush Creek, and the Root River — produce wild brown trout. North Shore Lake Superior tributaries (Knife, Sucker, Kadunce, French) get fall and spring steelhead runs. The Mississippi headwaters and Rainy River offer big-water fishing.

Special

Mille Lacs walleye has been heavily regulated through harvest closures and slot limits in recent years. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has specific fishing rules. Lake Superior trout/salmon stamp required for North Shore.

Popular species

Walleye · Northern pike · Smallmouth bass · Lake trout · Brown trout · Steelhead (Lake Superior)

State agency

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Agency site →

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