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Fishing regulations

New: 2005 trout fishing regulations in southeast Minnesota

2004 regulations

2004 Fishing Regulations (1.1 MB)
Effective March 1, 2004 - February 28, 2005

Expanded walleye slot limit on Mille Lacs

May 15, 2004: Anglers may keep walleye up to 20 inches, with one trophy over 28 inches in the four fish limit. All walleye from 20 to 28 inches must be released.

July 15, 2004: Anglers may keep walleye up to 22 inches, with one trophy over 28 inches in the four fish limit. All walleye from 22 to 28 inches must be released.

December 1, 2004: The slot will revert to four walleye up to 20 inches with one over 28 inches in the four fish limit.

Notices

Area in southwest MN closed to minnow harvest
Starting in 2004, waters in Lincoln, Pipestone, Rock, Murray, and Nobles counties that lie within the Missouri River watershed (see map ) are closed to both recreational and commercial minnow harvest. This will protect the federally endangered topeka shiner. Commercial harvesters can apply for a permit from the federal government to continue harvest in this watershed.

Lake Superior Fitger's Reef Refuge closed to boat fishing
Starting in 2004, Fitger's Reef Refuge on Lake Superior (see map ) will be closed to boat fishing from October 1 through November 30. Only angling from shore will be allowed in this area. This regulation corresponds with the existing closure for lake trout. At times both charter captains and the general public target this area for salmon. This new regulation will help reduce the accidental harvest of the lake trout that congregate in this area.

Also see:

2004 Rainy River Spring Fishery -regulations and information
Lakes with liberalized regulations 2004-2005
Treaty, experimental and special regulations
Lake of the Woods Minnesota waters regulation summary
1837 Ceded Territory Regulations for 2004 (including Mille Lacs)
Whitefish and ciscoes sport gill netting regulations (Updated 11/02/2004)
Mississippi River bluegill experimental regulation maps
- Pool 5
- Pool 5A
- Pool 8
Fishing tournament regulations
Fishing licenses

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.