With its diverse species, stunning landscapes, and abundant waterways, Minnesota provides excellent opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the fishing season. However, to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect fish populations, it is crucial for everyone to be well-informed about the Minnesota fishing seasons, limits, licensing requirements, and specific rules for different species and areas.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on when, where, and how to fish in this state. Keep reading on!
Key 2025 Minnesota Fishing Season Dates
2025 Fishing Season Opener Dates
The following dates mark the beginning of various fishing seasons in 2025. If you are interested in fishing any of them, you know when to prepare and start:
- Walleye, Pike, Bass: May 10, 2025
- Muskie: June 7, 2025
- Stream Trout: April 12, 2025
Special Fishing Weekends
Minnesota also offers designated weekends for special fishing events, which anglers don’t require to get a fishing license:
- Mother’s Day Weekend: May 11-12, 2025 (Resident mothers can fish without a license)
- Kid Fishing License Weekend: June 7-9, 2025 (Residents aged 16 and older may fish without a license)
- Kid Ice Fishing Weekend: January 18-20, 2025 (Residents aged 16 and older may fish without a license)
Inland Fishing Seasons & Limits
The following table provides details on fishing seasons and limits for various species in inland waters:
| Species | Seasons | Zone and Possession Limits |
| 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″) | ||
| Walleye and sauger (and their hybrid) | May 11, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025 | 6 combined total (not more than 1 walleye over 20″ in possession) |
| Muskellunge/hybrid muskellunge | June 1 – Dec. 1 | 1 combined total |
| Largemouth bass—Statewide (except Northeast Zone) | May 11 – 24 | Catch-and-release only |
| May 25, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025 | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | |
| Largemouth bass—Northeast Zone | 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) | Year-round | 10 combined total |
| Sunfish(bluegill, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, northern, warmouth, and their hybrids) | Year-round | 20 combined total |
| Rock bass | Year-round | 30 |
| White bass | Year-round | 30 |
| Catfish | Year-round | 5 combined total. No more than 2 can be flathead (only 1 catfish over 24″) |
| (channel and flathead) | Flathead catfish: April 1 – Nov. 30 | |
| Perch | Year-round | 20 daily, 40 in possession |
| Whitefish, cisco (tullibee), and burbot. | 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 | Year-round | No limit |
| Bullhead | Year-round | 100 |
| Gar | Year-round | 10 |
| Smelt | Year-round | No limit |
| Lake or shovelnose sturgeon | 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). | Jan. 18 – March 31, 2025 | 2 |
| Lakes entirely within the BWCAW. | Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025 | 2 |
Minnesota Trout Fishing Seasons
Except for the above species, stream trout is one of the most popular sport fish in Minnesota. The trout season has its own rules, particularly in specific regions and designated waters.
Below are the details regarding seasons and possession limits for stream trout in various areas:
Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Streams)
| Areas | Species | Seasons | Possession limit |
| Southeastern Minnesota counties of Dodge, Goodhue, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, Winona | Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Splake | Jan. 1, 2025 – Apr. 14, 2025 | Catch-and-release only |
| East Beaver Creek, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, etc. | Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Splake | Apr. 13, 2024 – Sep. 14, 2025 | 5 combined, not more than 1 greater than 16″ |
| East Beaver Creek, Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, etc. | Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Splake | Sep. 15, 2024 – Apr. 12, 2025 | Catch-and-release only |
Stream Trout Species Seasons and Limits (Lakes)
The following table outlines the regulations for stream trout fishing in lakes across Minnesota:
| Areas | Species | Seasons | Possession limit |
| Winter within BWCA | Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Splake | Jan. 1, 2025 – Mar. 31, 2025 | 5 combined, not more than 3 greater than 16″ |
| Winter statewide outside/partly-outside BWCA, except the following closed lakes: Little Andrus (Cass Co.), Allen and Pleasant lakes (Crow Wing Co.), and Bad Medicine (Becker Co.) | Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Splake | Jan. 18, 2025 – Mar. 31, 2025 | 5 combined, not more than 3 greater than 16″ |
| Winter within BWCA | Lake Trout | Jan. 1, 2025 – Mar. 31, 2025 | 2 |
| Winter statewide outside/partly-outside BWCA | Lake Trout | Jan. 18, 2025 – Mar. 31, 2025 | 2 |
Lake Superior Fishing Seasons And Limits
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and the deepest body of water in the Great Lakes. Here, anglers can discover various ranges of fish species and enjoy a high success rate for landing big catches.
The following is the breakdown of its fishing seasons:
| Species | Seasons | Possession Limits | Size Limits |
| Brook trout and splake | April 13 – Sept. 2 | 1 (combined total brook trout, splake, brown trout and rainbow trout is 5). | Minimum size limit 20″ |
| Rainbow trout—clipped | Year-round | 3 (combined total brook trout, splake, brown trout and rainbow trout is 5). | Minimum size limit 16″ |
| Rainbow trout— unclipped | Year-round | Catch-and-release only | / |
| Brown trout | Year-round | 5 (combined total brook trout, splake, brown trout and rainbow trout is 5). | Only 1 over 16″. Minimum size limit 10″. |
| Lake trout | Dec. 1, 2024 – Oct. 5, 2025 | 3 | / |
| Salmon (Chinook, coho, pink, and Atlantic) | Year-round | 5 combined total (only 1 can be Atlantic salmon) | Minimum size limit 10″ |
| Walleye | May 11, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | 2 | Minimum size limit 15″ |
| Northern pike | May 11, 2024 – March 1, 2025 | 2 | / |
| Smelt | Year-round | No limit | / |
| Lake or shovelnose sturgeon Includes Lake Superior and the St. Louis River | Same dates every year: June 16 – April 14 |
Catch-and-release only; no tag needed. | / |
| Brook and brown trout | April 13 – Sept. 30 | 5 combined total | Not more than 1 over 16″ |
| Rainbow trout | April 13 – Sept. 30 | Catch-and-release only | / |
Fishing Licenses Requirements And Costs
For legal fishing, residents need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you’re 16 or older(16-89 years old). All nonresidents need a license except those younger than 16 do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.
There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon, or sturgeon because you need to purchase additional stamps.
When you get an annual license, it allows you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year.
How Much Does Minnesota Fishing License Cost?
| Resident Licenses | Fee |
| Angling – 24-hour | $12 |
| Angling – 3 year Individual | $71 |
| Angling – 72 Hour | $14 |
| Angling – combination (Married Couple) | $40 |
| Angling – individual | $25 |
| Angling Youth Ages 16 to 17 | $5 |
| Conservation combo angling | $27 |
| Conservation individual angling | $17 |
| Sports – combination | $57 |
| Sports – individual | $41 |
| Stamp – trout validation | $10 |
| Stamp – walleye pictorial | $6 |
| Stamp – walleye validation | $5 |
| Stamps (collectable) | Varies |
| Sturgeon tag | $5 |
| Super Sports Combination | $126 |
| Super Sports Individual | $100 |
| Turtle – Recreational | $25 |
| Non-Resident Licenses | Fee |
| Angling – 14-day couple | $54 |
| Angling – 24-hour | $14 |
| Angling – 7-day | $43 |
| Angling – 72-hour | $36 |
| Angling – family | $68 |
| Angling – individual | $51 |
| Angling – shelter | $37 |
| Angling – Youth Ages 16 to 17 or Youth own limit | $5 |
| Stamp – trout (validation & pictorial) | $11 |
| Stamp – trout validation | $10 |
| Stamp – walleye pictorial- voluntary | $6 |
| Stamp – walleye validation- voluntary | $5 |
| Sturgeon tag | $5 |
Who doesn’t need a fishing license?
In the following cases, anglers are not required to possess a fishing license:
- Residents younger than 16, or residents 90.
- Active-duty military on leave.
- Certain individuals with disabilities.
- Fishing in state parks (MN residents only).
How to be eligible for a free fishing license?
Anglers who meet certain qualifications can obtain a free license if they are:
- Foreign exchange students with proof of foreign exchange student status.
- Residents 16 and older who have a developmental disability or veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.
- Residents who are legally blind, receiving SSI or SSDI, or receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability.
Fishing Regulations In Minnesota
The following are some common rules you should keep in mind when fishing in Minnesota:
- You can use various live or dead baits, such as worms, night crawlers, insects, and larvae. But there are restrictions on using minnows or leeches.
- Before leaving any water body, replace the water in bait buckets with tap or bottled water, except when ice fishing.
- Unused bait must be disposed of properly; it is illegal to release it into Minnesota waters.
- Using whole or parts of game fish, goldfish, or carp as bait is prohibited.
- Only specific species can be taken from infested waters for personal use; this bait cannot be transported live.
- Fishing hours for stream trout are from one hour before sunrise to 11 p.m.
- Only one fishing line is allowed when fishing in designated stream trout lakes and streams.
- Live minnows cannot be used as bait in designated trout waters.
- All stream trout must have their heads, tails, fins, and skin intact when transported.
- You may use up to three artificial flies or hooks on one line, with the total distance between hooks not exceeding 9 inches.
- Fishing for a species during its closed season is prohibited.
- Using explosives, chemicals, or firearms to catch fish is illegal.
- Leaving fishing lines unattended is not allowed.
What and Where You Can Fish in Minnesota
Minnesota is a paradise for anglers with a diverse range of fish species and numerous prime fishing spots. Here’s a breakdown of the types of fish you can find and the best places to cast your line in the state:
Types of Fish You Can Catch in Minnesota
Minnesota’s waters are home to a variety of fish species, including:
- Walleye: Known as the state fish, walleye is a favorite among anglers for its delicious taste and challenging catch. Many top lakes—from Lake of the Woods to Lake Mille Lacs—are renowned for their high-quality walleye fisheries.
- Northern Pike: These aggressive predators are found in many lakes and rivers, providing an exciting fishing experience. They populate both warm and cool waters, often lurking in the weed beds of many Minnesota lakes.
- Muskellunge (Muskie): Often referred to as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” muskies are a prized catch for their size and strength. Lakes with diverse structures—deep channels, rocky outcrops, and underwater vegetation—tend to harbor these giant predators.
- Bass: Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are abundant in Minnesota, offering great sport fishing opportunities. The varied habitats—from clear, rocky shores to deeper, vegetated zones—offer the perfect terrain for bass ambushes, making them a popular target, especially around Lake Minnetonka and similar spots.
- Crappie: These panfish are popular for their tasty fillets and are often found in schools. Their abundance in the top lakes ensures that even a day spent learning the ropes turns into a rewarding experience.
- Sunfish: Bluegill and pumpkinseed are common sunfish species that are fun to catch, especially for beginners.
- Trout: Brook, brown, and rainbow trout can be found in Minnesota’s coldwater streams and lakes.
- Catfish: Channel and flathead catfish are prevalent in the state’s rivers and larger lakes.
- Perch: Yellow perch are a common catch in Minnesota, known for their tasty meat.
- Sturgeon: Lake sturgeon is a rare but exciting catch, often found in large rivers.
Best Fishing Spots in Minnesota
Minnesota has numerous lakes and rivers that are perfect for fishing. If you are going to plan your fishing trip in this state, here are some top spots to consider:
- Lake Mille Lacs: Known for its high-quality walleye fishery and excellent populations of crappie, Lake Mille Lacs is a popular destination for both shore and boat anglers.
- Lake of the Woods: This massive lake offers a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and sturgeon. Located at the border with Canada, its complex shoreline and myriad bays offer diverse fishing conditions year-round.
- Leech Lake: Famous for its walleye, northern pike, and even muskie fishing opportunities, Leech Lake is a must-visit for serious anglers.
- Rainy Lake: Located on the border with Canada, Rainy Lake is known for its excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fishing.
- Lake Vermilion: This scenic lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and muskie.
- Mississippi River: The river offers diverse fishing opportunities, with species such as catfish, bass, and walleye.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: This pristine area provides a unique fishing experience, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
- Lake Minnetonka: Located near the Twin Cities, Lake Minnetonka is a popular spot for bass, crappie, and sunfish fishing.
- Whitefish Chain of Lakes: This chain of lakes offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass.
- Brainerd Lakes Area: Known for its numerous lakes, this area provides great fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including walleye, bass, and panfish.
Prepare for Your Minnesota Fishing
Before you head out:
- Check Regulations: Seasons and rules may be subject to change, to get the latest information, always refer to the Minnesota DNR website or local office for current fishing regulations and seasonal schedules. You can use this link to find current regulations for a specific lake.
- Plan Your Access: Many of these top lakes offer designated boat launches, public access points, and detailed maps to help you navigate the best fishing spots.
- Gear Up Appropriately: To ensure a successful fishing experience, it’s wise to tailor your tackle box and fishing gear for the species and seasons. Check out the Kalkal fishing backpack with cooler, fishing deck boots, and fishing fillet knives for a complete setup that keeps your catch fresh, provides comfort on the water, and makes filleting your fish easier than ever.
Conclusion
By understanding the Minnesota fishing seasons, limits, licensing requirements, and regulations, anglers can enjoy their time on the water while contributing to sustainable fishing practices.
For the latest updates or changes to the rules, subscribe to our post or check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Happy fishing!
What’s your experience in Minnesota? Welcome to share your big-catch story with us!
Learn more:
Recommended for Hunters and Anglers
Leave a reply