FAW_0057_2024_Fishing_Regulations_2024_-_A11Y.pdf

Effective March through February 28, 2025

MINNESOTA

FISHING

REGULATIONS

mndnr.gov/fishing

SHARE

THE

PASSION

#fishmn

Available in Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish!

http://www.mndnr.gov/fishmn

Cabins, campgrounds, hotels, houseboats Walleye, musky, bass, northern

40,000 acres with 100’s of islands, bays, coves Fishing reports on website

218-666-5850 www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Only 3.5 hours north from the Twin Cities

Pa id

A dv er tis em en t

Cabins, campgrounds, hotels, houseboats Walleye, musky, bass, northern

40,000 acres with 100’s of islands, bays, coves Fishing reports on website

Paid Advertisement

GET GET Hooked upHooked up llakevermilionresorts.comakevermilionresorts.com

START A NEW

TRADITION

Register as a donor when you get your Minnesota fishing license online.

DonateLifeMN.org

• 300+ Lakes

• Lots of fish variety

• Just off I-94

ExploreAlex.com

FISHING

S0...MUCH...FUN!

FISHING IN ALEX:

Paid Advertisement

State Record Fish Program Updates

FAW_0064_24

Minnesota’s State Record Fish Program generates excitement among anglers, the public and the media!

Updates have been made to the Certified Weight category, and the Catch and Release category.

What’s new?

• Records established prior to requiring weight to be documented on a certified scale will be recognized as “Historical Records,” and new submissions will be accepted for many species!

• Catch and release records are no longer limited to muskellunge, northern pike, flathead catfish, and lake sturgeon.

New record submissions will be accepted for many species!

See details on page 83.

Additional information and application forms are available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website mndnr.gov/recordfish.

mndnr.gov/fishing

• View regulations on your mobile device

• LakeFinder— lake data and maps

• Trout fishing and stream information

• Helpful fishing tips

• Minnesota DNR contacts

Your first stop for Minnesota fishing information

Photo by Tyler Winter

FISHMINNESOTA

FAW_0024_22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The sale of advertising pays for a portion of this publication. The state of Minnesota and the Minnesota De part ment 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: Fishing photo by Joshua Duplechian, featuring Scot Simmons and son, Cooper. As a child, Scot grew up in the Twin Cities fishing the metro lakes with his family. Fast forward, he's now a fly fishing guide on his home waters. River photo by Deborah Rose, Minnesota DNR. Fish photo by Ryan Hagerty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library.

TRESPASS LAW

NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2024

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

DEFINITIONS

FISHING LICENSES

Free Fishing Weekends

LICENSE GUIDE

SEASONS AND LIMITS—INLAND AND LAKE SUPERIOR

Inland Waters Trout—Brook, Brown, Rainbow and Splake Lake Superior and Its Tributaries

GENERAL REGULATIONS

Tackle and Lines Bait Methods Possession Transportation Other Species Illegal Activities Permits

SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Intensive Management Lakes Waters with Experimental and Special Regulations

BORDER WATERS

Licensing Lake Sturgeon Tags Canada–Minnesota Iowa–Minnesota North Dakota–Minnesota South Dakota–Minnesota Wisconsin–Minnesota

BOWFISHING, SPEARING, HARPOONING AND DIP NETTING

Bowfishing Spearing, Harpooning and Dip Nets

DARK HOUSE SPEARING, ICE ANGLING AND ICE SHELTERS

Dark House Spearing Ice Angling Ice Shelters

ILLUSTRATED FISH OF MINNESOTA

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

STATE RECORD FISH PROGRAM

SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE

HEALTH ADVISORY AND FISH EATING GUIDELINES

Statewide Consumption Guidelines for Fish Caught in Minnesota

CONTACT INFORMATION

6 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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.

http://www.mndnr.gov/AIS

7New Regulations for 2024

NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2024

Season openers may reflect a harvest season or a catch and release season. Details on page 21.

YEAR WALLEYE, PIKE, BASS MUSKIE STREAM TROUT

(STREAMS ONLY)

2024 May 11 June 1 April 13

2025 May 10 June 7 April 12

2026 May 9 June 6 April 18

Fishing Season Opener Dates

New Statewide Regulations

• Turtle harvest regulations: Both a recreational turtle license and angling license are required to harvest turtles. Traps are no longer allowed to take turtles (page 35).

• Keep it Clean Law: Ice anglers should be aware of a new law to minimize littering

– many items (including fish) may not be left directly on the ice while fishing (page 73).

New and Modified Experimental Regulations

• Gull Chain (Crow Wing and Cass Counties): A new slot limit for northern pike (all from 30-40” must be immediately released, possession limit 2, only 1 over 40”) is in effect (page 42).

• Pearl Lake (Stearns): The experimental regulation on northern pike has expired. The north-central zone regulations are now in effect (page 21).

New and Modified Special Regulations

• Clearwater Lake (Wright County) and connected waters: A new special regulation has reduced daily limits for crappie (5 per day) and sunfish (10 per day) (page 40).

• Maple Lake (Wright County): A new special regulation has reduced daily limits for crappie (5 per day) and sunfish (10 per day) (page 45).

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Crow Wing Lakes (Hubbard County): The connected lakes are now regulated as one water where a special regulation for sunfish restricts anglers to 5 fish per day (page 40).

• Lake Winnibigoshish (Itasca) – A new special regulation reduces the daily limit for sunfish to 5 (to be consistent with connected Cut Foot Sioux and Little Cut Foot Sioux Lakes) (page 52).

• Balsam, Haskell, and Scrapper lakes (Itasca County): A special regulation for northern pike (fish from 24-36” must be immediately released, only 1 over 36”) on Balsam Lake will be expanded to Haskell and Scrapper Lakes (page 38).

• Big Sand Lake (Hubbard): The special walleye regulation has been repealed.

Statewide regulations are now in effect (page 21).

8 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Bighead Silver

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

Red swamp crayfish 2 to 5" long. Raised bright red spots on claws.

Starry stonewort Grass-like algae with a small, star-shaped structure called a “bulbil” less than ¼-inch in diameter.

Spiny waterflea Long tail, white with black spots, looks like gelatinous globs on fishing line, small (up to 3⁄8").

Zebra and quagga mussel The only freshwater mollusks that attach to objects with byssal threads (up to 1½"); larvae float in water and are too small to see.

Faucet snail Up to ½" long, light brown to black, 4-5 whorls.

New Zealand mudsnail Up to 1⁄5" long, light to dark brown, cone-shaped shell, 5-6 whorls.

Eur asian watermilfoil 12 to 21 leaflet pairs per leaf.

Bighead and silver carp Eye located at lower part of head below the mouth;

Silver can jump more than 10 feet high.

Carp illustrations ©C. Iverson, MN DNR

Round goby Single scallop-shaped pelvic fin, fish is usually 3-6" long.

Ruffe Spots between rays of dorsal fin, no gap between fins.

No gap Spots

Ruffe illustration ©C. Iverson, MN DNR

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 888-MINNDNR.

Invasive carp captures must be immediately reported to the DNR, call 651-587-2781 or email invasivecarp.dnr@state.mn.us. Please take a photo, keep carcass cool but do not freeze, and make arrange ments 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.

mailto:invasivecarp.dnr%40state.mn.us?subject=Report%20Invasive%20Carp http://mndnr.gov/invasive-carp

9Aquatic Invasive Species

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 1 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 1 or more of the following:

• Dry for at least 5 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 2 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 AISpublications@dnr.state.mn.us 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.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/laws.html#prohibited http://www.mndnr.gov/AIS mailto:AISpublications%40dnr.state.mn.us?subject= http://www.mndnr.gov/lakefind

10 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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 inform ation below will help you prepare for a watercraft inspection. In 2023, 96 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: wip.dnr@state.mn.us http://www.mndnr.gov/decon mailto:wip.dnr%40state.mn.us?subject=

11Aquatic Invasive Species

Hook into Minnesota’s Favorite Nature Magazine!

Packed with beautiful wildlife photography and insightful storytelling, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer is the perfect gift for anglers young and old.

DONATE & SUBSCRIBE

Visit mndnr.gov/mcvmagazine Or call 844-245-7115 using promo code TT2222FFIISSHH

12 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

DEFINITIONS

Culling (sorting) The act of replacing 1 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 37-56). 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 Min ne so ta 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.

1-over the size limit Allows the harvest of 1 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.

13Fishing Licenses Continued on next page

Resident licenses Code License Description Fee

YOUTH ANGLING

Resident Individual Age 16 and 17

138 Youth Annual (Age 16 and 17)

Youth Individual Angling (exempt from trout/salmon stamp and spearing license)

$5

ADULT ANGLING

Resident Individual Ages 18 through 89

111 Adult Annual Individual Angling $25

110 24-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon stamp required) Consecutive 24-hour

$12

140 72-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon stamp required) Consecutive 72-hour

$14

141 3-year Individual Angling Consecutive 3-years

$71

105 ½ Bag Limit Conservation

Individual Angling ½ bag limits $17

216 Sports Individual Angling and Small Game $41

142 Super Sports Individual Angling including trout/ salmon stamp, Small Game including pheasant and state waterfowl stamps, a deer tag (archery, firearms or muzzleloader)

$100

Resident Angling Licenses

FISHING LICENSES

• Any combination (married couple) type license requires 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 are 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.

http://www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense

14 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Resident licenses Code License Description Fee

ANGLING

LICENSES

Additional Options

134 Walleye Stamp Validation

Voluntary Donation $5

135 Pictorial Stamp mailed + 75 cents

128 Trout/Salmon Stamp (required for anglers age 17-64; see page 17 for exemptions)

Individual Trout and Salmon Validation (required for designated trout streams and lakes, Lake Superior and to harvest trout)

$10

129 Pictorial Stamp mailed + 75 cents

150 Recreational Turtle

Required to harvest turtles $25

130 Sturgeon Tag Required to harvest a sturgeon $5

113 Spearing Annual

Individual Dark House spearing (required for ages 18 through 89)

$6

119 House or Shelter Annual

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$15

131 House or Shelter 3-year

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$42

120 House or Shelter Rented Annual

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$30

132 House or Shelter Rented 3-year

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$87

115 Netting Whitefish and cisco (tullibee) Lakes open to sport gillnetting, the seasons and regulations are online at mndnr.gov/regulations/ fishing or by calling the DNR Information Center.

$10

MARRIED

ANGLING

Resident Married Couple

112 Married Combination Annual

Married Couple Angling, each person may have their own possession limit.

$40

106 Married ½ Bag Limit Conservation Combination

Married ½ bag limit Conservation Combination, each person may keep half their regular limit.

$27

217 Married Combination Sports

2 Angling and 1 Small Game $57

Resident Angling Licenses continued http://www.mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing http://www.mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing

15Fishing Licenses

Resident licenses Code License Description Fee

MARRIED

ANGLING

Resident Married Couple Continued

143 Married Combination Super Sports

A combination angling license including 2 trout/salmon stamps, and for the primary licensee an individual small game including pheasant and state waterfowl stamps and a single individual deer tag (archery, firearm or muzzleloader)

$126

LIFETIME

ANGLING

Resident Individual

411 Lifetime Angling

Renewal FREE

Age 3 and younger $344

Age 4 to 15 $469

Age 16 to 50 $574

Age 51 and older $379

407 Lifetime Angling and Spearing

Renewal FREE

Age 3 and younger $432

Age 4 to 15 $579

Age 16 to 50 $678

Age 51 and older $439

413 Lifetime Sports (spearing option available but not included)

Renewal FREE

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 Week end — May 11-12, 2024 Minnesota resident moms may fish without a license.

Take a Kid Fishing Week end — June 7-9, 2024 Minnesota residents 16 and older may fish without a license if they're with children younger than 16.

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Week end —January 18-20, 2025 Minnesota residents 16 and older may fish without a license if they're with children younger than 16.

Application available at mndnr.gov/ licenses/lifetime

Resident Angling Licenses continued

16 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Nonresident angling license

Code License Description Fee

YOUTH ANGLING

Nonresident Individual age 16 and 17

205 Youth Annual age 16 and 17

Youth Individual Angling (exempt from trout/salmon stamp and spearing license). Youth under age 16 may purchase to possess own limit.

$5

ADULT ANGLING

Nonresident Individual age 18 and over

121 Annual Individual Angling $51

139 24-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon stamp required) Consecutive 24-hour

$14

127 72-hour Individual Angling (no trout/salmon stamp required) Consecutive 72-hour

$36

126 7-Day Individual Angling, Consecutive 7-day $43

ANGLING LICENSES

Nonresident additional options

134 Walleye Stamp Validation

Voluntary Donation $5

135 Pictorial stamp mailed + 75 cents

128 Trout/Salmon Stamp (required for anglers age 18-64)

Individual Trout and Salmon Validation

$10

129 Pictorial stamp mailed + 75 cents

130 Sturgeon Tag Required to harvest a sturgeon $5 118 Spearing Annual

Age 18 and over Individual Dark House Spearing (angling license required)

$17

116 House or Shelter Annual

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$37

117 House or Shelter 7-Day

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$21

133 House or Shelter 3-year

Fish House, Dark House, or Shelter, see page 71 for details

$111

FAMILY ANGLING

Nonresident Married Couple

124 Combination Annual Family

1 or both parents and dependent children under age 16. Enables each person to keep a limit.

$68

125 Combination 14-Day

Married Couple Consecutive 14-Day Angling

$54

LIFETIME ANGLING

Nonresident Individual

415 Lifetime Angling Renewal Free

Age 3 and under $821 Age 4 to age 15 $1,046 Age 16 to age 50 $1,191 Age 51 and over $794

Nonresident Angling Licenses A $5 surcharge on nonresident licenses is included with the applicable fee.

Nonresident youth under age 16, check page 20.

Application available at mndnr.gov/ licenses/lifetime

17Fishing Licenses

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. Visit mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime for more information.

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 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 75 cents.

Except as noted, anglers need a Minnesota trout/salmon 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

• Purchase of a walleye stamp is voluntary; it is not 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 license. Purchasers may request the actual pictorial stamp for an additional 75 cents.

T

RO

U

T A N

D S

AL

M

O N

S

TA

M P $10

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

W

AL

LE

YE

S

TA

M

P

$5

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

VOID

VOID

2024 Trout Stamp, Dean Kegler

2024 Walleye Stamp, Sam Larsen http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html?type=fishing http://mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime

18 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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 2021?

Three-year angling licenses bought in 2021 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.

• New residents must visit a license agent location or call our Licensing office to have their residency updated before qualifying for resident rates.

• Tribal members with an unexpired Tribal ID, with a Minnesota address, who do not hold a driver’s license or state ID in any state, and who have not accepted resident hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses in any other state in the previous 60 days.

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 http://mndnr.gov/buyalicense

19License Guide

Am I eligible for a free fishing license?

Anglers who meet certain qualifications can obtain a free license (mndnr.gov/ regulations/fishing/exemptions) 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 lake or to harvest 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 2 licenses for the same license season in error.

http://mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing/exemptions.html http://mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing/exemptions.html http://socialsecurity.gov

20 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

REGULAR DAILY

OR POSSESSION

BAG LIMIT

fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish

CONSERVATION

DAILY OR

POSSESSION

BAG LIMIT

Catch-and-release fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish fish

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 1 year for 2 or more convictions of fishing violations in 3 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 3, 5 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 5 fish with 3 over 10" for a Conservation License would be 2 fish with only 1 over 10".

• Divide the regular limit in half. If necessary, round down to the nearest whole number. For example: 5 fish regular limit would be a 2 fish conservation limit.

• Conservation licensees are not allowed to keep walleye over 20".

Conservation License Bag Limits

21Seasons and Limits—Inland and Lake Superior

SEASONS AND LIMITS—

INLAND AND LAKE SUPERIOR

INLAND WATERS

Inland Seasons and Limits

SPECIES OPEN SEASON ZONE AND ANGLING POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Northern pike

May 11, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025

Northeast Zone: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession, all 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 their hybrid)

May 11, 2024 - Feb. 23, 6 combined total (not more than 1 walleye over 20" in possession)

Muskellunge/hybrid muskellunge

June 1 - Dec. 1 1 combined total (minimum size 54")

1 combined total (minimum size 40")SIZE EXCEPTION: the following Twin Cities area lakes:

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.

• All calendar dates are for 2024 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 37-56.

• For Canada, Wis con sin, Iowa, South Da ko ta, and North Dakota border water regulations see pages 58-68. For Lake Superior see pages 26-28.

• Different limits for Conservation Licenses 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.

http://mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing

22 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Largemouth bass—Statewide (except Northeast Zone)

May 11 - 24 Catch-and-release only

May 25, 2024 - Feb. 23, 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open)

Largemouth bass—Northeast Zone (Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County are part of the Northeast Zone for bass.

See Zone Map on page 23.)

May 11, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass—Statewide (except Northeast Zone)

May 11 - 24 Catch-and-release only

May 25 - Sept. 8 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass

Sept. 9, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025 Catch-and-release only

Smallmouth bass— Northeast Zone

May 11, 2024 - Feb. 23, 2025 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass

Crappie (white or black and their hybrids)

Continuous 10 combined total

Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, northern, warmouth, and their hybrids)

Continuous 20 combined total

Rock bass Continuous 30

White bass Continuous 30

Catfish (channel and flathead)

Channel catfish: continuous

Flathead catfish:

April 1 - Nov. 30

5 combined total. No more than 2 can be flathead (only 1 catfish over 24")

Perch Continuous 20 daily, 40 in possession

Whitefish, cisco (tullibee), and burbot . Sport netting regulations effective each fall are available on the DNR website.

Continuous No limit

EXCEPTION: On Leech Lake Indian Reservation whitefish limit 25 and cisco (tullibee) limit 50.

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeye, redhorse, and suckers

Continuous No limit

Bullhead Continuous 100

Gar Continuous 10

Inland Seasons and Limits continued http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/whitefish-tullibee.pdf http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/whitefish-tullibee.pdf http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/whitefish-tullibee.pdf http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/whitefish-tullibee.pdf

23License Guide

!H !H

!H

!H

!H

!H

!H

£¤53

¬«7

¬«22 £¤212 £¤10

ChaskaGlencoe

Duluth

Ortonville

Montevideo Hutchinson

International Falls

North-Central Zone

Southern Zone

Northeast Zone

12/13/2017

!H£¤212 ¬«41 ")61 ")1

¬«5

Chaska

Chask a

SPECIES OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Smelt Continuous No limit

Lake or shovelnose sturgeon (See pages 58-68 for other sturgeon waters and regulations.)

Same dates every year:

June 16 - April 14

Catch-and-release only; no tag needed.

Paddlefish No open season

Lake trout (SUMMER) Statewide

May 11 - Sept. 30 2

Lake trout (WINTER) Outside or partly outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

2024 Season:

Jan. 13 - March 31

2025 Season:

Jan. 18 - March 31

Lakes entirely within the

BWCAW.

2024 Season:

Dec. 30, 2023 - March 31, 2024

2025 Season:

Jan. 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025

Northern Pike Possession Limits for Inland Waters The state is divided into 3 zones for northern pike—Northeast, North-central, and Southern—each with a specific regulation for angling and for spearing. Waters with special regulations (pages 37-56), 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.

North-central/Southern Boundary: from the South Dakota Border—State Highway 7 at Ortonville—east past Hutchinson, south on State Highway 22 to Glencoe, east on U.S. Highway 212 to Chaska, south on State Highway 41 to the Minnesota River to the Mississippi River to the Wisconsin border.

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

The waters of the Minnesota or Mississippi rivers where those waters create the North-central/Southern Boundary are included in the Southern Zone.

Inland Seasons and Limits continued http://www.mndnr.gov/pike

24 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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 7 pike caught locally and 3 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 1 daily limit from that lake included in your possession limit.

TROUT—BROOK, BROWN, RAINBOW AND SPLAKE

The following regulations apply to stream trout species (brook, brown, rainbow, splake) and their hybrids living in lakes and streams. They do not in clude lake trout which are listed under Inland Waters (page 23). Lake Superior tributaries (pages 26-28) and Experimental and Special Regulations (pages 37-56) are also not covered in this section.

Calendar dates refer to 2024 unless noted oth er wise. 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 1 hour before sunrise to 11 p.m.

• Only 1 line is allowed winter or summer when fishing on des ig nated stream trout lakes and des ig nat ed 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 min nows 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, whitefish and catfish.

• The list of Designated Trout Lakes can be found on the DNR website mndnr.gov/fishing/trout_lakes/list.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout/index.html http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout_lakes/list.html

25License Guide

WATERS OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Streams—Southeast Minnesota Jan. 1 - April 12 Catch-and-release only

April 13 - Sept. 14 5 combined total (not more than 1 over 16")

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 Catch-and-release only

Jan. 1, 2025 - April 11, 2025

Catch-and-release only

Sept. 15, 2023 - April 12, 2024

Catch-and-release only

April 13 - Sept. 14 5 combined total (not more than 1 over 16"). See special regulations for these streams, pages 52-56.

Sept. 15, 2024 - April 11, 2025

Catch-and-release only

Streams—Statewide Except Southeast Minnesota

April 13 - Sept. 30 5 combined total (not more than 1 over 16")

Includes Houston, Fillmore, Mower, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Wabasha, and Goodhue counties; and the Vermillion River in Dakota County.

Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Streams)

Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Lakes)

EXCEPTIONS: Within these state parks: Beaver Creek Valley (East Beaver Creek);

Forestville (Forestville Creek, Canfield Creek, South Branch Root River) and Whitewater (Middle Branch Whitewater River, Trout Run Creek). Also within city boundaries of Chatfield, Lanesboro, Preston, Rushford, and Spring Valley.

WATERS OPEN SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (SIZE)

Lakes (SUMMER) Statewide

May 11 - Oct. 31 5 combined total (not more than 3 over 16")

Lakes (WINTER) Outside or partly outside the

BWCAW

2024 Season:

Jan. 13 - March 31

2025 Season:

Jan. 18 - March 31

5 combined total (not more than 3 over 16")

Lakes entirely within the

BWCAW

2024 Season: Dec. 30, 2023 - March 31, 2024

2025 Season:

Jan. 1 - March 31

5 combined total (not more than 3 over 16")

Lakes

EXCEPTIONS:

Little Andrus (Snowshoe), Cass County; Allen and Pleasant, Crow Wing County;

Bad Medicine, Becker County.

Winter season closed for stream trout.

26 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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 17. 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 2 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 52-56.)

• Angling from boats is closed October 7 - 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 1 hour before sunrise to 1 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.