Minnesota Fishing Regulations
2025-26 Season | Updated February 2026
MN walleye season: May 10, 2025 - Feb 23, 2026. Complete season dates, bag limits, and license information.
Important Notice
This page provides general statewide regulations for the 2025-26 season. Many lakes have special regulations that differ from statewide rules. Always check the DNR LakeFinder for lake-specific rules before fishing. Data sourced from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
2025-26 Quick Reference
May 10
Walleye Opener
6
Walleye Daily Limit
Feb 23
Season Close
$25
Resident License
2025-26 Season Dates
Gamefish
Walleye & Sauger
Statewide opener - 2nd Saturday in May
May 10, 2025
to Feb 23, 2026
Same as walleye opener
May 10, 2025
to Feb 23, 2026
Bass (LM & SM)
Catch-and-release May 10-23
May 24, 2025
to Feb 23, 2026
Later opener to protect spawning
June 7, 2025
to Feb 23, 2026
Other Species
Lake Trout
Designated trout lakes only
Jan 1
to Oct 31
Stream Trout
Southeast streams differ
Apr 12, 2025
to Oct 31, 2025
Panfish & Catfish
Open year-round
Year-round
MN Walleye Season 2025-26 Details
The walleye is Minnesota's state fish and the most sought-after species. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025-26 walleye season.
Key Dates
- Season Opens:May 10, 2025
- Season Closes:Feb 23, 2026
- Daily Limit:6 fish
- Possession Limit:6 fish
Special Regulation Lakes
Many popular walleye lakes have slot limits or reduced bag limits. Common examples:
- • Mille Lacs: Special harvest regulations (check DNR)
- • Upper Red Lake: Protected slot 17-26"
- • Many BWCAW lakes: 4 walleye limit
- • Border Waters: Different rules may apply
Seasonal Strategy Tips
- Opener (May): Post-spawn walleye are shallow. Target 8-15 feet with jigs and minnows.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Fish deep structure 20-40 feet during the day. Dawn and dusk produce shallow bites.
- Fall (Sep-Nov): Trophy time. Walleye follow baitfish to shallow reefs and transitions.
- Ice Season (Dec-Feb): Tip-ups and jigging spoons. Target 20-30 feet over mud flats at dawn/dusk.
Top Walleye Destinations
Bag & Size Limits
| Species | Daily | Possession | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye / Sauger | 6 | 6 | No minimum (varies by lake) | May 10 - Feb 23 | Many lakes have slot limits |
| Northern Pike | 3 | 3 | 24" minimum | May 10 - Feb 23 | Some waters allow 10 under 24" |
| Largemouth Bass | 6 | 6 | 12" minimum | May 24 - Feb 23 | C&R May 10-23 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 6 | 6 | 12" minimum | May 24 - Feb 23 | C&R May 10-23 |
| Muskellunge | 1 | 1 | 54" minimum | June 7 - Feb 23 | Most restrictive gamefish |
| Crappie | 10 | 10 | No minimum | Year-round | Some lakes have 8" minimum |
| Bluegill / Sunfish | 20 | 20 | No minimum | Year-round | Combined panfish limit |
| Yellow Perch | 20 | 20 | No minimum | Year-round | Part of panfish limit |
| Channel Catfish | 5 | 5 | No minimum | Year-round | Flathead: 3 daily |
| Lake Trout | 3 | 3 | Varies by lake | Jan 1 - Oct 31 | BWCAW has 2 limit |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | 10 | No minimum | Varies | Stream trout rules differ |
| Lake Sturgeon | 1 | 1 | 45-50" slot | Limited | Permit required |
Fishing License Fees
Resident
Annual
All waters
$25
24-Hour
Single day
$14
72-Hour
Three days
$17
Non-Resident
Annual
All waters
$51
24-Hour
Single day
$16
72-Hour
Three days
$24
7-Day
One week
$41
Trout Stamp
Required for trout
$10
Note: Anglers under 16 do not need a license. Anyone fishing for trout needs a trout stamp in addition to their fishing license.
Plan Your Trip
Now that you know the regulations, use these tools to plan your next fishing trip.
Official DNR Resources
Regulation data sourced from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Always verify current regulations before your trip.
Last updated: February 2026 | Check today's fishing weather | View fishing forecast