Current permit restrictions
Additional permit restrictions for ice fishing tournaments are currently being reviewed and updated. Responses to permit applications are coming shortly. View the expected permit restrictions and conditions for the 2021 open water tournaments but note they are subject to change.
Fishing contests are popular in Minnesota and each year the DNR issues nearly 400 permits to conduct them.
The DNR regulates fishing contests to protect fish and fish habitat, to restrict activity during high use periods and for the safety of the participants. Regulating contests helps reduce the potential for conflicts with other water recreation activities at public access sites and on the water.
Limiting the number of contests that can take place each month on any water body also serves to more evenly distribute contests across many lakes and rivers.
Permit fees are:
- $70 for small contests (50 or fewer boats)
- $225 for large contests (more than 50 boats)
- $135 for ice fishing contests
For contests with off-site weigh-ins:
- $280 for a small contest
- $560 for a large contest.
- Current year tournament list
- Permit requirements
- New requirements for bass tournaments
- Mille Lacs Lake bass tournaments
- Definitions
- Permit application process
- Limitations
- Other restrictions
- Fishing tournament application
- Fishing tournament report form
- Designated Infested Waters
- Best management practices for tournaments and aquatic invasive species