Minnesota Fish Species
Complete guide to gamefish and panfish in Minnesota waters
Featured Species
🐟
GamefishWalleye
Sander vitreus
Minnesota's state fish and most popular game fish. Excellent table fare.
Limit: 6May 10 - Feb 23
🐊
GamefishNorthern Pike
Esox lucius
Aggressive predator with explosive strikes. Found statewide.
Limit: 3May 10 - Feb 23
🐠
GamefishLargemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
America's most popular sport fish. Explosive topwater strikes.
Limit: 6May 24 - Feb 23
💪
GamefishSmallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Pound-for-pound the hardest fighter. Thrives in clear, rocky lakes.
Limit: 6May 24 - Feb 23
🏆
GamefishMuskellunge
Esox masquinongy
The fish of 10,000 casts. Minnesota's ultimate trophy fish.
Limit: 1June 7 - Feb 23
🎣
PanfishCrappie
Pomoxis spp.
Most popular panfish. Excellent eating and cooperative.
Limit: 10Year-round
Other Species
| Species | Daily Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill / Sunfish | 20 | Year-round | Combined panfish limit |
| Yellow Perch | 20 | Year-round | Part of panfish limit |
| Channel Catfish | 5 | Year-round | Flathead: 3 daily |
| Lake Trout | 3 | Jan 1 - Oct 31 | Designated lakes only |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | Varies | Trout stamp required |
| Lake Sturgeon | 1 | Limited | Permit required |
Quick Reference
Season Openers
- • Walleye/Pike: May 10
- • Bass: May 24
- • Muskie: June 7
- • Panfish: Year-round
Trout Fishing
- • Requires trout stamp ($10)
- • Stream trout: Apr 12 - Oct 31
- • Lake trout: Jan 1 - Oct 31
License Info
- • Under 16: No license needed
- • Resident annual: $25
- • Non-resident annual: $51