Fishing seasons

For a complete list of fishing seasons please check the fishing regulations.

Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.

The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement and certain other related activities.

Seasons for waters entirely within Minnesota

Fishing for trout in streams and lakes varies based on location and species. Select the desired section from the drop-down list on the online fishing regulations webpage.

Scroll table right to see more »
12/30/23 - 03/31/24Lake troutLakes entirely within the BWCA
01/13/24 - 03/31/24Lake troutLakes partially or completely outside the BWCA
03/01/24 - 02/28/25BullheadMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25Burbot (eelpout)Minnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25Channel catfishMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25Cisco (tullibee), whitefishMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25CrappieMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25GarMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25OtherMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25PerchMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25Rock bassMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25SmeltMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25SunfishMinnesota waters
03/01/24 - 02/28/25White bassMinnesota waters
04/01/24 - 11/30/24Flathead catfishMinnesota waters
05/11/24 - 02/23/25Largemouth bassNortheastern Minnesota
05/11/24 - 02/23/25Northern pikeMinnesota waters
05/11/24 - 02/23/25SaugerMinnesota waters
05/11/24 - 02/23/25Smallmouth bassNortheastern Minnesota
05/11/24 - 02/23/25WalleyeMinnesota waters
05/25/24 - 02/28/25Largemouth bassStatewide except the northeast
05/25/24 - 09/08/24Smallmouth bassStatewide except the northeast
06/16/24 - 04/14/25Sturgeon - catch-and-releaseMinnesota waters
09/09/24 - 02/23/25Smallmouth bass - catch-and-releaseStatewide except the northeast

Back to top