Fishing regulations

2011 fishing regulations cover

2011 Fishing Regulations pdf (6 MB | 84 pg)
Effective March 1, 2011

The online version of the 2011 Fishing Regulations contains the latest corrections to the printed version. Update arrows point to changes and corrected text is highlighted, usually in green.

Updates

  • 03/08/2011: Mille Lacs Lake northern pike protected slot (page 25)

Additional information

Mille Lacs Lake Walleye Slot Limit Change

Walleye anglers who fish Mille Lacs Lake are reminded that effective Thursday, Dec. 1, four walleye up to 18 inches may be kept. All walleye between 18 and 28 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 28 inches is allowed in possession.

Date Posted: July 22, 2011

As required by the Expedited Emergency rule published in the State Register on April 25, 2011 (Volume 35, pages 1650-1652; Part 6264.0400, Subp. 4a, Item B), the walleye size limit on Mille Lacs Lake and associated tributaries will change as specified below because the walleye kill estimates were below the established quota of 238,500 pounds prior to July l.

As of 12:01 am July 27, the walleye regulations for Mille Lacs Lake and associated tributaries will be as follows:

While a person is on or fishing in Mille Lacs Lake and its associated tributaries to the posted boundaries, all walleye in possession must be greater than 28 inches in length or less than 20 inches in length. All walleye that are 20 to 28 inches in length must be immediately returned to the water. A person may take and possess not more than one walleye over 28 inches. The bag limit for walleye is four fish.

This regulation continues until midnight November 30, 2011. All fishing regulations for species other than walleye and all other fishing restrictions remain unchanged on Mille Lacs.

Upper Red Lake

  • Walleye regulations for Upper Red Lake will revert back to a 17- to 26-inch protected slot limit beginning Dec. 1, 2011, through the winter walleye season. The daily and possession limit will remain at four fish, with only one fish over 26 inches allowed. View current regulations pdf in effect through Thursday, Nov. 30.
  • Boundary Information: When fishing near the Red Lake reservation boundary, using a GPS unit will ensure compliance. Those portions of Red Lake located within the Red Lake Indian Reservation are closed to non-band members except by special authorization of the tribal council.
    The actual boundary is not a true north-south line. To simplify, it is recommended that state anglers stay east of the longitudinal coordinate of 94° 43' 12.0" W to ensure they are on state waters. Everyone fishing near the boundary is responsible for knowing his/her location!

Trout Seasons

  • The lake trout season for lakes entirely within the BWCAW is December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012.
  • The lake trout season for all other lakes is January 14, 2012 to March 31, 2012.
  • The stream trout season on all lakes (in and out of the BWCAW) is January 14, 2012 to March 31, 2012.

License information


Note:
This information is available in an alternative format upon request. E-mail the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or call at (651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR; TTY: (651) 296-5484 or (800) 657-3929.

This fishing regulations document contains a synopsis of the state fishing laws and regulations. For complete fishing laws and regulations, consult Minnesota Statutes and Rules of the DNR.