Minnesota regulations
Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Minnesota 2026
Minnesota Muskie regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 1 fish/day; Season end Nov 30; Season start May 23. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (20)
All Wisconsin-Minnesota Border WatersOut of season
- Season opens
- May 23
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 50"
Canada-Minnesota Border WatersOut of season
- Season opens
- Jun 20
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 50"
Iowa-Minnesota Border WatersOut of season
- Season opens
- May 21
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Lake ElmoOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Certified weight record: 34 lbs, 12 oz
Mille Lacs LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Min size
- 58.25"
Certified weight record: 55 lbs, 14 oz Catch-and-release record
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
North Dakota-Minnesota Border Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 50"
Prairie River From Prairie Lake Dam Downstream To Mississippi River (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
St. Louis River (St. Louis)
- Min size
- 50"
on only the Minnesota–Wisconsin border waters
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 in All Wisconsin-Minnesota Border Waters, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/fishing_regs.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/minnesota/fishing/special-regulations
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch. Last verified .