Fishing on Lake Margaret — Cast your line on Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

Minnesota Fishing Regulations

By Brian Fanelli

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Minnesota, and that level of interest requires tight regulations to ensure our lakes and rivers stay stocked with fish. Every time you go fishing in Minnesota, be sure to follow these fishing regulations laid out by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Fishing Season Opener Dates

For many, Minnesota's fishing opener is the beginning of summer—a day that roughly half a million anglers eagerly await each year. In a state where walleye is king, many Minnesota anglers think of it as the walleye opener. But in fact, the May season opener includes a number of species that reside in Minnesota waters such as northern pike, trout, and—in some areas of the state—bass.

In addition to the highly publicized May fishing opener, there are separate opening dates for muskie and stream trout. The season for sunfish, crappies, perch, channel catfish and a few less popular species is always open.

Minnesota Fishing Licenses

Before going fishing in Minnesota, the first step is acquiring your fishing license. To legally fish in Minnesota, anyone age 16 to 89 needs a fishing license unless an exemption applies. There are a variety of licenses available depending on your residency status, type of angling and duration. You must carry your license while fishing or traveling from an area where you were fishing.

Popular licenses

Individual angling: A fishing license for one person.
Combination angling: Allows a married couple to fish individually or together.
Individual sports: Allows one person to hunt small game and fish.
Combination sports: Allows one person to hunt small game and fish, and another person to only fish.
Non-resident angling: A fishing license for one non-resident.

Visit the Minnesota DNR website to see all available Minnesota fishing licenses and purchase yours online.