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May 9, 2024
Stay informed! Here’s a summary of upcoming fisheries and habitat management activities and ways you can discover, explore and experience Minnesota’s outdoors.
Regional fishing outlooks available
Want some local fishing information before the Saturday, May 11 fishing opener? Check the regional fishing outlooks from the Minnesota DNR. The outlooks provide details about fishing opportunities and conditions in various areas of the state, including for specific lakes, rivers and streams.
Based on reports from across the state, anglers have a lot to look forward to — especially with an early ice out this year and fisheries lake surveys that have showed good year classes of walleye in many lakes. And if the walleye aren’t cooperating, there are other great options like bluegill and crappie, bass or northern pike. And there are other native fish out there like sucker species, freshwater drum and others that can provide a lot of action and good food fare. The regional fishing outlooks are available on the Minnesota DNR website.
“Sunrise boat lifts ready for opener on Wolf Lake” photo courtesy of Michael Hanlety
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Check the DNR fishing webpage
The Minnesota DNR has a fishing page to help answer angler questions. The page links to LakeFinder, which provides maps, special regulation information for individual lakes, other detailed information on lakes throughout the state, and the StreamFinder tool that provides a description, species list, regulations and access information for trout streams throughout Minnesota.
“Fishing at sunset” photo courtesy of Cara Hanson
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Fishing regulations available online in Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish
The Minnesota DNR has translated the state’s 2024 fishing regulations into Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish, the four most commonly spoken languages, apart from English, in Minnesota.
The translated regulations are available in digital format on the Minnesota DNR website, with links to the PDF booklets here.
They will also be in print at locations in late May where they are most likely to be in demand, including at select DNR offices, license vendors and some Minnesota state parks. People can request a copy of the English, Hmong, Karen, Somali or Spanish regulation booklets be mailed to them by calling the DNR’s Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 or by emailing info.dnr@state.mn.us.
The Minnesota DNR Information Center also offers interpretation in more than 200 languages and provides information in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities. For TTY/TDD communication contact us through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 800-627-3529.
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Minnesota moms: Join the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge!
Moms who live in Minnesota are invited to join a free virtual fishing challenge Saturday, May 11, through Sunday, May 12, during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, when all Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Student Angler Organization and Women Anglers of Minnesota to host the challenge.
To participate in the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge, moms simply need to join the Facebook group called “Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2024” and post one photo of each fish they catch — we want to see how many fish Minnesota moms catch!
All participants who submit one or more fish photos will have their name entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Angler Organization and their partners, including gift cards for SCHEELS and Lund. Additionally, participants are invited to tune in for a pre-challenge virtual Fishing 101 class, hosted by Women Anglers of Minnesota in the challenge Facebook group on May 7. Challenge details are available on the Minnesota DNR website.
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Dreaming of walleye?
Fishing opener is this weekend and if you’re hoping to catch Minnesota’s state fish, brush up on tips and techniques! Here are a few free resources through our Minnesota Outdoor Skills & Stewardship Series:
“Noah’s personal best on Big Pine!” photo from 2023 courtesy of Kelly Tumberg
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Mille Lacs walleye regulations reminder
Mille Lacs Lake walleye fishing will be catch-and-release during the spring and summer with the opportunity to harvest a walleye starting on Friday, Aug. 16.
During the open water harvest opportunity beginning on Aug. 16, anglers will be able to keep one walleye that is 21-23 inches in length or that is greater than 28 inches. The Minnesota DNR designed the regulation to keep the state’s walleye take within the limit agreed upon with tribal nations.
Anglers are reminded to protect Mille Lacs Lake and all Minnesota waters from aquatic invasive species by cleaning and draining watercraft and equipment and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash. A decontamination station is available 24/7 at the Shaw-Bosh-Kung Bay public access on the west side of Mille Lacs Lake about 8 miles south of Garrison.
Complete Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations and regularly updated surveys showing ongoing state-licensed angler catches of walleye, northern pike and yellow perch are available on the Minnesota DNR website.
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Minnesota Twins offer special edition hats and discounted tickets
Anyone with a 2024 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can access a special ticket package with the Minnesota Twins this season that includes a special edition blaze orange wool-blend Twins cap with ticket purchase.
The Minnesota DNR Days partnership includes seven games this year with the next one coming up 7:10 p.m. Friday, May 24, vs. the Texas Rangers. Find more game times and instructions for purchasing tickets on the Minnesota DNR Days webpage.
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Other important fishing reminders
Your fishing license
Buy fishing licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device at mndnr.gov/buyalicense, or by phone at 888-665-4236. Online buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid license to state conservation officers.
Clean In Clean Out
Remember anglers and boaters, Clean In Clean Out when boating or fishing in Minnesota. Protect your waters by following state aquatic invasive species laws. Clean, drain, dispose and keep all plugs out while transporting boats. Find information on aquatic invasive species on the DNR website.
Fish consumption guidance
Anglers can find fish consumption guidance on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Anglers should check for site-specific advice that pertains to the water they’re fishing. If eating fish from a variety of waters or a specific water isn’t listed, anglers should follow the statewide guidelines. The MDH website has both site-specific and statewide guidance on eating fish.
Safety must be the priority around cold water
Cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls can quickly turn tragic. About 30% of fatal boating accidents each year happen during the cold-water period, and many involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The most effective way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure the jacket is buckled or zipped. For more information about staying safe on and around cold water, visit the DNR cold water safety page.
Record fish opportunities expand
Changes have been made to the state record fish program. More species have been added to the catch-and-release category, and some records within the certified weight category have been re-opened.
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Send us your fishing photos
Anglers, we’d love to see your fishing photos! Photos submitted are used in Minnesota DNR publications including social media, newsletters, news releases, webpages and more. Upload your photos online.
 “Early season crappie!” photo courtesy of Cara Hanson
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