Waterbody · Minnesota
Lake of the Woods Fishing Regulations 2026
Lake of the Woods fishing regulations as of 2026-05-08: 751 current rules from DNR. Anglers target walleye, northern pike, muskellunge.
Species pages for Lake of the Woods
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
Rules (751)
DNR regulates 751 rules across 9 species at this water.
Northern Pike
Lake Of The WoodsOpen
- Status
- Open
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
No closed season only one northern pike over 40 inches may be possessed only one Northern Pike over 40 inches may be possessed must be immediately released
Lake Of The Woods And Rainy River To The Dam At International Falls And All Tributaries From The Mouth To The Upstream Boundary Listed On Page 67.
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediately released.
Alexander Lake (Morrison)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Ann Lake (Carver)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Annie Battle Lake Including Inlet To Molly Stark Lake And Outlet To Blanche LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Annie Battle Lake Including Inlet To Molly Stark Lake And Outlet To Blanche Lake (Otter Tail)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Ash Lake (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Balsam Lake Including Connected Haskell And Scrapper Lakes (Itasca)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Bass Lake Near Burtrum North Of Long Lake (Todd)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 26"
all larger than 26" must be immediately released
Basswood LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Min size
- 46.25"
Non-certified record: 45 lbs, 12 oz Catch-and-release record
Basswood Lake (Includes Jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist, And Back Bays)
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
All northern pike from 30-40" must be immediately released. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession. All northern pike from 30-40" must be immediately released.
Basswood Lake (Lake)Open
- Status
- Open
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
Season is continuous. only 1 over 40" all from 30-40" must be immediately released
Bear Creek Reservoir (Chester Woods)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Big Mantrap (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24‑36" must be immediately released
Big Swan Lake (Todd)
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Birch Lake Reservoir Including The South Kawishiwi River Upstream To The First Rapids North Of Minnesota Highway 1 Bridge (St. Louis)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Northern pike special regulation repealed
Black Bass Lake (Mille Lacs)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Blueberry Lake (Wadena)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Canada-Minnesota Border Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Max size
- 30"
only 1 over 30" in possession
Cascade Lake (Cascade Ponds)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Cedar Lake (Morrison)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 26"
all larger than 26" must be immediately released
Center Lake, North And South (Chisago)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Child Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Coon-Sandwick Lake (Itasca)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Crow Wing Lakes, 10th
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Crow Wing Lakes, 10th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36".
Crow Wing Lakes, 5th
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Crow Wing Lakes, 5th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36".
Crow Wing Lakes, 5th And 6th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24‑36" must be immediately released
Crow Wing Lakes, 6th
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Crow Wing Lakes, 6th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36".
Crow Wing Lakes, 8th
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Crow Wing Lakes, 8th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36".
Crow Wing Lakes, 8th, 9th, And 10th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Crow Wing Lakes, 9th
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Crow Wing Lakes, 9th (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36".
Deer Lake (Beltrami)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24‑36" must be immediately released
Farm Lake (Lake)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Northern pike special regulation repealed
Fish Trap Lake (Morrison)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Fladmark Lake (Otter Tail)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Foster-Arend Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Gamehaven Lake (Boy Scout Lake Or Willow Reservoir No. 4)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Garden Lake (Lake)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Northern pike special regulation repealed
George Lake (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24"-36" must be immediately released
Girl Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" only 1 over 36" allowed in possession all from 24"-36" must be immediately released
Gull Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Gull Lake Chain Including Connected Gull, Upper Gull, Margaret, Ray, Love, Nisswa, Roy, And Round Lakes (Crow Wing, Cass)
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40" all from 30-40" must be immediately released
Iowa-Minnesota Border Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
Island Lake Near Northome (Itasca)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Kalmar Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Knife Lake (Kanabec)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" allowed in possession all from 24-36" must be immediately released
La Salle Lake (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 1 fish
Lake Superior And Tributaries Below Posted BoundariesIn season
- Season opens
- May 10
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Possession
- 2 fish
Little Boy Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Little Floyd Lake (Becker)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Little Toad Lake (Becker)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Little Woman Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Long Lake Near Burtrum (Todd)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36" all from 24-36" must be immediately released
Love Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Manor Woods Pond (Country Club Pond)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Margaret Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Medicine Lake (Beltrami)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Melissa Lake (Becker)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Mille Lacs Lake Including Tributaries To Posted Boundaries (Aitkin, Crow Wing And Mille Lacs Coun Ties)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Regulations for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tullibee, and other fish species will be posted at public access sites and the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.
Mink-Somers Lake Near Maple Lake (Wright)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Minnie Belle Lake (Meeker)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Mission Lakes, Lower
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Mission Lakes, Lower And Upper (Crow Wing)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Mission Lakes, Upper
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
only 1 over 36"
Mississippi River And Lake Pepin
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Max size
- 30"
only 1 over 30"
Mitchell Lake (Crow Wing)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Nisswa Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
North Dakota-Minnesota Border Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
North Star Lake Including Little North Star Lake (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
North Twin Lake (Beltrami)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
North-Central ZoneOut of season
- Season opens
- Nov 15
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 22"
- Slot max
- 26"
either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26"
Northeast ZoneOut of season
- Season opens
- Nov 15
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 26"
only 1 northern pike over 26"
Quarry Hill Nature Center Pond
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Rabbit Lakes, Big And East Big (Crow Wing)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24‑36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Rachel Lake And Little Rachel Lake (Douglas)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Max size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Rainy RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
No closed season only one northern pike over 40 inches may be possessed must be immediately released
Ray Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Red Lake, Upper Including Shotley Brook And Tamarac River
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40" allowed all from 30-40" must be immediately released
Red Lake, Upper Including Shotley Brook And Tamarac River (Beltrami County)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Max size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40" allowed.
Round Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Roy Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Rush Lake, East And West (Chisago)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 26"
- Slot max
- 40"
all from 26-40" must be immediately released only 1 over 40"
Sallie Lake (Becker)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Shamineau Lake (Morrison)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Silver Creek Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Silver Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
South Dakota-Minnesota Border WatersOut of season
- Season opens
- Nov 15
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
spearing 2026-2027 spearing
South Farm Lake (Lake)Open
- Status
- Permitted
special regulation repealed
Southern ZoneOut of season
- Season opens
- Nov 15
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 24"
Spider Lake (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
St. Croix River Downstream Of Taylors Falls Dam To U.s. Hwy 10 BridgeOut of season
- Season opens
- May 2
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Max size
- 30"
only 1 over 30"
St. Croix River Upstream Of Taylors Falls DamOut of season
- Season opens
- May 2
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
St. Louis River EstuaryOut of season
- Season opens
- May 9
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
St. Olaf Lake (Waseca)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 30"
Steiger Lake (Carver)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Sugar Lake (Wright)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24‑36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
TailCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch-and-release only
Turtle River Chain Of Lakes Including Connected Turtle River Lake, Little Turtle, Big Turtle, Movil, Beltrami, Fox Lakes, And The Turtle River From Little Turtle Lake Downstream To Fox Lake (Beltrami)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 22"
- Slot max
- 30"
all from 22-30" must be immediately released only 1 over 30"
Twenty-One Lake (Otter Tail)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Upper Gull Lake
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 40"
- Slot min
- 30"
- Slot max
- 40"
only 1 over 40"
Wabedo Lake (Cass)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
White Iron Lake (St. Louis And Lake)Open
- Status
- Permitted
special regulation repealed
Willow Creek Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
Woman Lake (Cass)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 36"
- Slot min
- 24"
- Slot max
- 36"
all from 24-36" must be immediately released only 1 over 36"
Walleye
Lake Of The Woods
- Daily bag
- 4 fish
- Max size
- 28"
- Slot min
- 19.5"
- Slot max
- 28"
aggregate limit with Sauger is six; no more than four can be Walleye Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed. must be immediately released
Fourmile Bay Of Lake Of The WoodsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Effective Mar. 1 – Apr. 14; All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
Aitkin Lake Including Area Known As Aitkin Flowage
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Ash River To Ash River Falls
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Bass Lake Near Burtrum North Of Long Lake (Todd)
- Possession
- 2 fish
Big Pine Lake (Otter Tail)
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Big Sandy Lake And Connected Waters (Aitkin)
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released
Cedar Lake (Morrison)
- Possession
- 2 fish
Cloquet River From Mouth Of Island Reservoir Upstream 0.5 Miles To Rapids
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 20"
- Slot min
- 15"
- Slot max
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Coon Lake (Anoka)
- Min size
- 17"
Crane Lake Including Vermilion Gorge And Echo River From Mouth Upstream To County Highway 424 Bridge (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined, only 4 may be walleye. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Crawford Lake (Wright)
- Possession
- 2 fish
Cut Foot Sioux Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Davis Lake Including Bay Known As Steamboat Lake
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Egg Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Farm Island Lake (Aitkin)
- Min size
- 20"
- Max size
- 20"
- Slot min
- 16"
- Slot max
- 19"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession all from 16-19" must be immediately released
Farm Lake (Lake)
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession All from 17-26" must be immediately released
First River
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Fish Lake Reservoir (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 13"
- Slot max
- 17"
except 1 over 26" allowed in possession all less than 13" or greater than 17" must be immediately released
Flowage Lake
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Four Mile BayCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
All Walleye must be returned to the water immediately. Effective March 1, 2026 – April 14, 2026
Garden Lake (Lake)
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only one over 26" allowed in possession all from 17-26" must be immediately released
Goose Lake (Chisago)
- Min size
- 17"
Green Lake (Chisago)
- Min size
- 17"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Green Lake (Kandiyohi)
- Possession
- 3 fish
Horseshoe Lake
- Possession
- 3 fish
Horseshoe Lake (Aitkin)
- Possession
- 3 fish
Horseshoe Lake And Connected Minnewawa Lake (Aitkin)
- Possession
- 3 fish
Iowa-Minnesota Border Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
Island Lake Near Northome (Itasca)
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 17-26" must be immediately released
Island Lake Reservoir
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 20"
- Slot min
- 15"
- Slot max
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Island Lake Reservoir Including Cloquet River From Mouth Of Island Reservoir Upstream 0.5 Miles To Rapids And Otter River From Mouth Of Island Reservoir Upstream To Boulder Reservoir Dam (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Max size
- 20"
- Slot min
- 15"
- Slot max
- 20"
only 1 over 20" all from 15-20" must be immediately released
Kabekona Lake (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 20-26" must be immediately released
Kabetogama Lake
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Kabetogama Lake Including Sullivan Bay And Ash River To Ash River Falls (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Kerbs Lake
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Knife Lake (Kanabec)
- Min size
- 24"
- Max size
- 24"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 24"
only 1 over 24" allowed in possession all from 18-24" must be immediately released
La Salle Lake (Hubbard)
- Possession
- 2 fish
Lac Qui Parle Lake Upstream To Marsh Lake Dam
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Lac Qui Parle Lake Upstream To Marsh Lake Dam, Including The Watson Sag Upstream To The Diversion Dam (Lac Qui Parle And Chippewa)
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Lake Superior And Tributaries Below Posted BoundariesIn season
- Season opens
- May 10
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 15"
Leech Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 20"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Lida Lakes, North
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Lida Lakes, South
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Lida Lakes, South And North, Including Mud Lake (Otter Tail)
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 17-26" must be immediately released
Little Boy Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Little Cormorant Lake (Becker)
- Min size
- 17"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Little Mcdonald Lake
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Little Mcdonald Lake Including Kerbs Lake (Otter Tail)
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 17-26" must be immediately released
Little Pine Lake Including Mud Lake West Of County Hwy 51 And Up To 425th Avenue (Otter Tail)
- Min size
- 26"
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Little Vermilion Lake
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Little Vermilion Lake Including Loon River To Loon River Falls Portage (St. Louis)
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession all from 18-26" must be immediately released
Loon River To Loon River Falls Portage
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Mandall Lake (Chisago)
- Min size
- 17"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Mille Lacs Lake Including Tributaries To Posted Boundaries (Aitkin, Crow Wing And Mille Lacs Coun Ties)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Regulations for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tullibee, and other fish species will be posted at public access sites and the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.
Mink-Somers Lake Near Maple Lake (Wright)
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 17"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Minnehaha Creek Downstream From Minnehaha FallsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Minnesota River Downstream From The Mendota BridgeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Minnewawa Lake
- Possession
- 3 fish
Minnewawa Lake And Connected Horseshoe Lake (Aitkin)
- Possession
- 3 fish
Mississippi River (Dakota)
- Min size
- 15"
From the Hastings dam downstream to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border (inland waters of Pool 3)
Mississippi River (Dakota) From The Hastings Dam Downstream To The Minnesota–Wisconsin Border (Inland Waters Of Pool 3)
- Min size
- 15"
Mississippi River Downstream Of Lock And Dam 8
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
- Max size
- 27"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 27"
combined total; all walleye from 20-27" must be immediately released, only 1 walleye over 27" only 1 walleye over 27" must be immediately released
Mississippi River Pools 3-8 Including Lake Pepin
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
combined total; only 1 walleye or sauger over 20"
Mississippi River To Knutson Dam
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Moose Lake Near Deer River (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 24"
- Max size
- 24"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
all from 20-24" must be immediately released only 1 over 24" allowed in possession
Mud Lake (Otter Tail)
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Mule Lake (Cass)
- Possession
- 3 fish
Namakan Lake (St. Louis)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 18-26" must be immediately released combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
North Branch Kawishiwi River From Farm Lake 4.8 Miles East To The Long Portage
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Osakis And Little Osakis Lakes (Douglas And Todd)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Otter River From Mouth Of Island Reservoir Upstream To Boulder Reservoir Dam
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 20"
- Slot min
- 15"
- Slot max
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
Pigeon River To Pigeon Lake Dam
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Pool 2 Of The Mississippi River Between The Hastings Dam And The Ford Dam, Including All Backwater Lakes And Connecting Waters Except Crosby, Pickerel, Upper, Little Pigs Eye, And North Star Steel LakesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Prairie River From Confluence With Tamarack River Downstream To Confluence With Big Sandy Lake
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Rabour Lake (Chisago)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 17"
- Max size
- 20"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Rainy Lake Including The Rainy River Above The Dam At International Falls, All Of Rainy Lake To The Dam At Kettle Falls, Black Bay Including Gold Portage Below The Rapids, All Of The Rat Root River, And Rat Root Lake (Koochiching And St. Louis)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Max size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
All walleye from 18‑26" must be immediately released only 1 walleye over 26" allowed in possession
Rainy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Effective Mar. 1 – Apr. 14; All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
Raven Flowage To Raven Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Red Lake, Upper Including Shotley Brook And Tamarac River (Beltrami County)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Restrictions or changes will be posted at public access sites and on the DNR website. A person’s statewide possession limit may not include more than the current daily limit of Red Lake walleye.
Round Lake Near Squaw Lake Including The Popple River Downstream To State Highway Bridge 46 (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
all from 20-24" must be immediately released only 1 over 24" allowed in possession
Saganaga Lake Including Gull Lake And The Sea Gull River (Cook)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 17"
only 1 over 20" repealed
Sand Lake And Connecting Waters (Itasca County)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
only 1 over 24" allowed in possession all walleye 20-24" must be immediately released
Sand Lake Including Connecting Birds Eye Lake, Little Sand Lake, Portage Lake And Bowstring River Upstream To County Road 35 Bridge And Downstream To The County Road 145 Bridge (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
all 17-26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Sand Point Lake (St. Louis)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 6 fish
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 18-26" must be immediately released combined, only 4 may be walleye
Sandy River From State Highway 210 Downstream To Confluence With The Mississippi River
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Sandy River Lake
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
Sea Gull Lake Including Alpine River Between Alpine Lake And Sea Gull Lake (Cook)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 17"
only 1 over 20" repealed
Seagull RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Non-certified record: 17 lbs, 8 oz
South Farm Lake (Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 17-26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Splithand Lake Including Moody’s Creek Upstream To County Road 432 (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
all from 20-24" must be immediately released only 1 over 24" allowed in possession
St. Croix River Downstream Of Taylors Falls Dam To The U.s. Hwy 10 BridgeOut of season
- Season opens
- May 2
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
combined total; only 1 walleye or sauger over 20"
St. Croix River Upstream Of Taylors Falls DamOut of season
- Season opens
- May 2
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
combined total
St. Louis River EstuaryOut of season
- Season opens
- May 9
- Season closes
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
combined total
Sugar Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Sullivan Bay
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
possession limit 6 combined with sauger, only 4 may be walleye only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Swan Lake Including Swan River Downstream To Dam, Upstream To County Road 12, And Connected Streams (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
all from 20-24" must be immediately released only 1 over 24" allowed in possession
Third River Flowage To Little Dixon Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Trout Lake Near Coleraine (Itasca)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 24"
all from 20‑24" must be immediately released only 1 over 24" allowed in possession
Venstrom Lake (Otter Tail)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 17‑26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Vermilion Lake (St. Louis)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 20"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 20-26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26"
Wabedo Lake (Cass)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 18-26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26"
Waconia Lake (Carver)
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 16"
only 1 over 20" allowed in possession
Watson Sag Upstream To The Diversion Dam
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 20"
only 1 over 20"
West Savanna River From County Highway 14 Downstream To Confluence With The Prairie River
- Min size
- 14"
- Max size
- 26"
all less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. only 1 over 26" allowed in possession.
White Iron Lake (St. Louis And Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 26"
- Slot min
- 17"
- Slot max
- 26"
all from 17‑26" must be immediately released only 1 over 26" allowed in possession
Winnibigoshish Lake
- Possession
- 1
- Min size
- 23"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
only 1 over 23" allowed in possession all from 18-23" must be immediately released
Winnibigoshish Lake And Connected Waters (Beltrami, Cass, And Itasca): Mississippi River To Knutson Dam, Third River Flowage To Little Dixon Lake, Pigeon River To Pigeon Lake Dam, First River, Egg Lake Through Cut Foot Sioux Lake, Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake, Raven Flowage To Raven Lake, And Sugar Lake.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 23"
all from 18‑23" must be immediately released only 1 over 23" allowed in possession
Muskellunge
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"
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
Walleye And Sauger
Four Mile Bay (Southeast Bay Of Lake Of The Woods)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- May 9
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Max size
- 28"
- Slot min
- 19.5"
- Slot max
- 28"
Catch-and-release only 2026-2027 season not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released. only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released. walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released.
Lake Of The Woods And Tributaries From Mouth To Upstream Boundaries Listed On Page 67.In season
- Season opens
- May 9
- Season closes
- Apr 14
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Max size
- 28"
- Slot min
- 19.5"
- Slot max
- 28"
2026-2027 season not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released. only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released. walleye 19½-28" must be immediately released.
Sauger
Lake Of The Woods
- Daily bag
- 6 fish
aggregate limit with Walleye is six
Fourmile Bay Of Lake Of The WoodsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Effective Mar. 1 – Apr. 14; All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
Lake Whitefish
Lake Of The WoodsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Certified weight record: 13 lbs, 9 oz
Lake Sturgeon
Lake Of The WoodsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. Effective Oct. 1, 2025 through Apr. 23, 2026
All Species
Hooper Creek Mouth Upstream To State Highway 172 Bridge (Lake Of The Woods)
- Gear
- Fly Only
Tiger Muskellunge
Lake ElmoOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Certified weight record: 34 lbs, 12 oz
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Lake of the Woods?
DNR regulates fishing on Lake of the Woods.
What species can I target on Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods is best known for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
When was this last updated?
These rules were last verified against DNR on 2026-05-08. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch. Last verified .