Fishing Regulations Overview

While regulations are ever-changing and adapting to meet the needs of anglers, conservation, and the preservation of fish species, the following information will give you a brief synopsis of what to know before angling Minnesota waters.

For complete rules and regulations, you can pick up a hard copy of the MN Fishing Regulations at any retailer who also sells licenses in the state, or you can view/download a PDF format of the regulations at the MN DNR website.

BUY BEFORE YOU TRY

Even novice anglers realize that you must be licensed to fish the waters of any given state--Minnesota is no exception. What follows are basic angling licenses for both MN residents and out-of-state anglers. Other specialty license types (i.e., trout stamps, etc.) are also available. Check complete regulations for details:

RESIDENT LICENSES

• Angling, Individual (Season) $17.00
• Angling, Individual (24 Hour) $8.50

OUT-OF-STATE LICENSES

• Angling, Individual (Season) $34.00
• Angling, Individual (24 Hour) $8.50
• Angling, Individual (72 Hour) $20.00
• Angling, Individual (7 Days) $24.00

*note* All licenses are subject to an issuing fee (not inlcuded in above prices); standard issuing fee is $1.00

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Many waters in MN have individualized regulations. Slot limits and possession limits are the two most widely specialized regulations you'll run into. Signs posted at pulic boat accesses will usually cue you into any special regulations for a given body of water, but be sure to research each specific lake before fishing it--check the MN DNR website or the regulations book for more detailed information.

ALIENS ARE INVADING

Nuisance plants such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and other invasive organisms such as Zebra Mussels, Round Gobies, and Spiny Water Fleas are taking over many waters in MN. Do your part by preventing the spread of unwanted, foreign species by reading and abiding by signs posted at public boat accesses and researching other preventitve measures in the MN Fishing Regulations book.

THIS JUST IN

Many anglers have become accustomed to standard laws and practices, but the regulations we abide by are rather elastic. Changes in conservation practices require changes in conservation rules and regulations--take note. Each year, new rules and regulations are listed in the front of the regulations book. Some may apply to you and your lake(s) of choice, and others may not, but it is strongly recommended that you read all of the new regualations to stay abreast of changes.

THINK BEFORE YOU SINK

Boating safety, and safety practices in general, seem to be based solely on common sense, but unfortunately, many anglers ignore their gut instincts. Accidents can happen in a myriad of ways out on the water. Be sensible. Don't drink and boat, be courteous to other anglers, and set a standard of ethics you can pass down to future generations.