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Minnesota regulations

Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Minnesota 2026

Minnesota muskie 2026 open seasons vary by 9 management regions. Statewide rules apply for 1/day and 54″ min. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.

About Muskie

Rules (20)

Minnesota statewide
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Daily bag
1 fish/day
Min size
54"
Min size
40"
Statewide aggregate per 2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations (Inland Seasons and Limits, p.29-31).
Verified · View official source ↗
All Wisconsin-Minnesota Border WatersIn season
Season opens
May 23
Season closes
Nov 30
Min size
50"
Verified · View official source ↗
Canada-Minnesota Border WatersIn season
Season opens
Jun 20
Season closes
Nov 30
Min size
50"
Verified · View official source ↗
Iowa-Minnesota Border WatersIn season
Season opens
May 21
Season closes
Nov 30
Min size
40"
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake ElmoOpen
Status
Permitted
Certified weight record: 34 lbs, 12 oz
Verified · View official source ↗
Mille Lacs LakeOpen
Status
Permitted
Min size
58.25"
Certified weight record: 55 lbs, 14 oz Catch-and-release record
Verified · View official source ↗
Mississippi River From Blandin Dam Downstream To Coon Rapids Dam (Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Anoka, And Hennepin)Catch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Verified · View official source ↗
North Dakota-Minnesota Border Waters
Min size
50"
Verified · View official source ↗
Prairie River From Prairie Lake Dam Downstream To Mississippi River (Itasca)Catch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Verified · View official source ↗
St. Louis River (St. Louis)
Min size
50"
on only the Minnesota–Wisconsin border waters
Verified · View official source ↗

Other Minnesota fish regulations

Other regulated species in Minnesota with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Muskie is also called Muskie (Muskellunge), Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, musky, muskellunge. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Minnesota.

Frequently asked questions

When is Muskie season in Minnesota?

Muskie season in Minnesota runs from May 23 to Nov 30 per DNR.

What is the size limit for Muskie in Minnesota?

Minimum size for Muskie in Minnesota is 50 inches in All Wisconsin-Minnesota Border Waters, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Muskie in Minnesota?

Daily bag limit for Muskie in Minnesota is 1 fish/day, per DNR.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.

← All Minnesota fishing regulations