Fishing This Weekend? Read This Before Heading To The Water

Fishing isn't as simple as casting a line and reeling them in.  There are possession limitations, rules and regulations.  If you're heading out on a fishing trip, take time to familiarize yourself with the important facts thanks to Minnesota DNR CO Steven M. Chihak.  Have fun and good luck!

DNR Info for this weekend’s fishing opener.
Inland Waters: Seasons and Possession Limits

Walleye & Sauger     5/14/16 - 2/26/17    6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"
Northern Pike                    5/14/16 - 2/26/17               3,  not more than one over 30"
Muskellunge                     6/4/16 - 12/1/16                               1, minimum size 54"

Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass           5/14/16 - 2/26/17                   6 combined
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass           5/14/16 - 5/27/16          Catch-and-release only
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass           5/28/16 - 9/11/16                  6 combined
Largemouth Bass                                             9/12/16 - 2/26/17                             6
Smallmouth Bass               9/12/16 - 2/26/17                             Catch-and-release only
Crappie                                                              Continuous                                         10
Sunfish                                                              Continuous                                         20
Rock Bass                                                          Continuous                                         30
White Bass                                                        Continuous                                         30
Channel Catfish     Continuous  5 in combination with Flathead Catfish, only 1 fish over 24"
Flathead Catfish    4/1/16 - 11/30/16   2, only 1 fish over 24" in combination with Channel Catfish
Perch          Continuous                                         20 daily and 40 in possession
Bullhead                           Continuous                                         100
Whitefish and Under-Utilized Fish            Continuous                                         No limit
Smelt                                             Continuous                                         No limit

Including Lake Superior and St. Louis River
Lake and Shovelnose Sturgeon     3/1/16 - 4/14/16    Catch& release only, no tag needed
Including Lake Superior and St. Louis River
Lake and Shovelnose Sturgeon     6/16/16 - 4/14/17   Catch & release only, no tag needed
Paddlefish                                                           No open season

Clean In Clean Out

When boating or fishing in Minnesota, protect our waters by following state aquatic invasive species laws.
CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shore land.
DRAIN water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, motor) and drain bilge, live well and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access or shoreline 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.If you want to keep your bait, you must refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

KNOW THE LAW: You may not…

• Transport watercraft without removing the drain plug.
• Arrive at lake access with drain plug in place.
• Transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway.
• Launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached.
• Transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers.
• Release bait into the water.

CO Steven M. Chihak
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources