Special fishing regulations input

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering several experimental and special fishing regulations for the 2027 fishing season.

Each year, the DNR proposes experimental and special fishing regulations. Experimental regulations have a defined evaluation period, after which the DNR decides whether the regulations should become permanent. Special regulations are selected from a suite of regulation toolbox options that have proven effective at achieving specific goals. Special regulations do not have an end date although DNR reviews their performance as part of an individual lake’s management planning cycle.

For more information on current proposals and to provide input, please take our survey below. Take our survey

An online meeting will be held on September 15, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accept public comment on all proposals for the 2027 season. This meeting is open to anyone who would like to participate. The link to join this online meeting will be posted on this page prior to the meeting. Some regulation proposals also have in-person meetings scheduled as listed below.

Questions about proposed regulations can be directed to the appropriate area office listed below. For any other questions or concerns, please contact John Dunn, Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, at [email protected] or 651-259-5235.

Proposed regulations and public meetings

Area officeLakeCountySpeciesExisting regulationProposed regulationProposal goalMeeting dateMeeting locationMeeting time
Sauk RapidsCedar Lake near AnnandaleWrightSunfishStatewide inland20 combined total, with only 5 over 8"Protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
BrainerdCuyuna Country State Recreation Area mine pits: Huntington, Portsmouth, Sagamore, Pennington, Mahnomen, Alstead and ArcoCrow WingNorthern pikeStatewide inlandPossession limit of 10 with no restriction on lengthAllow increased northern pike harvest opportunities in mine pits actively managed for trout9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fergus FallsGerman LakeOtter TailSunfishStatewide inland20 combined total, with only 5 over 8"Protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/2/2026Fergus Falls DNR Office, 1509 First Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
WalkerHovde LakeCassSunfishStatewide inland20 combined total, with only 5 over 8"Protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sauk RapidsMink Lake and Somers LakeWrightSunfish, walleye, minnowsSunfish: daily limit 5; walleye: possession limit 3, minimum size limit 17", only 1 over 20"; Possession or use of live minnows prohibited.Repeal sunfish, walleye and minnow rules. Implement sunfish: 20 combined total, with only 5 over 8".Current regulations are no longer needed. Proposed sunfish regulation: protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
International FallsNamakan Reservoir LakesSt. LouisWalleyePossession limit of 6 walleye and sauger combined, only 4 can be walleye, all from 18-26" must be immediately released, only 1 over 26" in possessionImplement as a special regulationMaintain harvest at or below target harvest.9/10/2026
9/14/2026		Kabetogama Hall, 9707 Gamma Rd, Kabetogama, MN
Crane Lake Visitor Center, 7480 Crane Lake Road, Crane Lake, MN		6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fergus FallsNorth Ten Mile Lake and South Ten Mile LakeOtter TailSunfishStatewide inland20 combined total, with only 5 over 8"Protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/2/2026Fergus Falls DNR Office, 1509 First Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
WalkerPine LakeCassNorthern pikeStatewide inlandPossession limit of 3, all from 24-36" must be immediately released, 1 over 36" allowed in possessionMaintain northern pike population with large fish present9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sauk RapidsPleasant LakeStearnsSunfishDaily limit 5Repeal sunfish regulation, revert to statewide limitRegulation did not meet the intended goal of improving size structure9/15/2026Online6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fergus FallsRush LakeOtter TailSunfishStatewide inland20 combined total, with only 5 over 8"Protect larger sunfish while allowing harvest of smaller sunfish9/2/2026Fergus Falls DNR Office, 1509 First Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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