Question 1

When is the MN walleye season for 2026-27?

Accepted Answer

The Minnesota walleye and sauger season for 2026-27 runs from May 9, 2026 to February 28, 2027. The opener is the Saturday two weeks before Memorial Day weekend. The limit is 6 walleye and sauger combined, with only one walleye over 20 inches in possession, and many individual lakes have special slot limits.

Question 2

What is the walleye bag limit in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

The statewide walleye limit in Minnesota is 6 walleye and sauger combined, and only one walleye over 20 inches may be in possession. Many popular lakes (Mille Lacs, Upper Red, Lake of the Woods, BWCAW waters) have their own slot or reduced limits. Always check the DNR LakeFinder for lake-specific regulations.

Question 3

How much does a Minnesota fishing license cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For the 2026-27 license year a Minnesota resident annual angling license costs $25 (ages 18-89; 16-17 pay $5). Non-resident annual licenses are $51. Short-term options are 24-hour ($12 resident / $14 non-resident), 72-hour ($14 / $36), and a $43 non-resident 7-day. Anglers under 16 do not need a license. A $10 trout and salmon stamp is required for anglers 18-64 on designated trout waters or to keep trout.

Question 4

When is bass season in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

In 2026 the bass harvest season opens May 23 (the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend). From the walleye opener on May 9 through May 22 bass fishing is catch-and-release only, except in the Northeast Zone where harvest opens May 9. Largemouth may be kept through February 28, 2027; smallmouth harvest ends September 13 and is catch-and-release only from September 14 on. The limit is 6 largemouth and smallmouth combined, with no statewide minimum size.

Question 5

What are the northern pike regulations in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Northern pike season runs May 9, 2026 to February 28, 2027 statewide, but the limit depends on which of three pike zones you fish. Northeast Zone: 2 pike, only one over 40 inches, and all pike 30-40 inches must be released. North-central Zone: 10 pike, not more than 2 over 26 inches, and all pike 22-26 inches must be released. Southern Zone: 2 pike with a 24-inch minimum. Check the DNR zone map for your lake.

Species	Daily	Possession	Size Limit	Season	Notes
Walleye / Sauger	6	6	Only 1 over 20" in possession	May 9 - Feb 28	Combined total; many lakes have slot limits
Northern Pike	2-10 by zone	2-10 by zone	NE: release 30-40" · NC: release 22-26" · South: 24" min	May 9 - Feb 28	Northeast 2 (1 over 40"), North-central 10 (2 over 26"), Southern 2
Largemouth Bass	6	6	No statewide minimum	May 23 - Feb 28	Combined with smallmouth; C&R only May 9-22 (NE Zone opens May 9)
Smallmouth Bass	6	6	No statewide minimum	May 23 - Sept 13	Catch-and-release only Sept 14 - Feb 28
Muskellunge	1	1	54" minimum (tiger muskie 40")	June 6 - Nov 30	Most restrictive gamefish
Crappie	10	10	No minimum	Year-round	Some lakes have special limits
Bluegill / Sunfish	20	20	No minimum	Year-round	Combined sunfish limit; many lakes reduced to 5-10
Yellow Perch	20	40	No minimum	Year-round	20 daily, 40 in possession
Channel Catfish	5	5	Only 1 over 24"	Year-round	Flathead: 2 (1 over 24"), Apr 1 - Nov 30
Lake Trout	2	2	Varies by lake	May 9 - Sept 30	Winter season Jan 16 - Mar 31, 2027
Stream Trout	5	5	Only 1 over 16" (streams)	Apr 11 - Sept 30	Lakes: May 9 - Oct 31, not more than 3 over 16"
Lake Sturgeon	C&R	0	Catch-and-release statewide	June 16 - Apr 14	Harvest only on designated waters with a $5 sturgeon tag

Minnesota Fishing Regulations

Important Notice

2026-27 Quick Reference

2026-27 Season Dates

Gamefish

Other Species

MN Walleye Season 2026-27 Details

Key Dates

Special Regulation Lakes

Seasonal Strategy Tips

Top Walleye Destinations

Bag & Size Limits

Fishing License Fees

Resident

Non-Resident

Plan Your Trip

Official DNR Resources