Minnesota Border Waters Rules
Minnesota border waters rules with Canada, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota: which license works, which waters count and each border season table.
Photo of Whitewater River: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0
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Which license works on border water
- Minnesota residents must have a Minnesota license.licensing
- Residents of a state bordering that water must have their state’s license.licensing
- Other nonresidents may purchase a Minnesota or the bordering state’s nonresident license.licensing
- Canadian border waters: a Minnesota license covers only the Minnesota portion; the Canadian portion requires a Canadian license.licensing
- Other border waters: a Minnesota license covers the defined border waters shore to shore.licensing
You must obey the regulations of the state in which you are fishing; more permissive regulations are limited to that state’s waters.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations, pages 66 to 78.
Canada-Minnesota
Canada-Minnesota border waters
Cook County: Clove, Devils Elbow, North Fowl, South Fowl, Gneiss (Round), Granite lakes, Granite River, Gunflint, Little Gunflint, Lily (Fan, Vaseux), Magnetic, Marabaeuf, Moose, Mountain, North, Little North lakes, Pigeon River, Pine River, Rat, Rose, Rove, Saganaga, South and Watap lakes. Koochiching: Big Fork, Black and Little Fork rivers (mouth to Hwy 11 bridge). Koochiching and Lake of the Woods: Rainy River. Koochiching and St. Louis: Rainy Lake (including Black Bay). Lake County: Basswood Lake (except Jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist and Back bays, which are inland), Basswood River, Birch, Carp, Cypress, Knife (except South Arm), Little Knife lakes, Knife River, Melon, Seed, Sucker and Swamp lakes. Lake and St. Louis: Crooked Lake. Lake of the Woods County: Baudette River, Bostic Creek, Kelly Creek, Rapid River, Silver Creek, Wabanica River, Winter Road River (to listed bridges). Lake o
- 1 line per angler is allowed, except 2 lines may be used when ice fishing.rule
- Parts of Saganaga, Little Gunflint, and Little North lakes are closed to fishing in May (Grand Marais Area Office 218-387-6021).rule
- While in Minnesota, anglers may not possess more than a Minnesota limit of fish from Canada-Minnesota border waters; fish from Canadian inland waters may exceed the Minnesota limit only with proof such as lodging receipts or U.S. Customs verification.rule
- A person cannot possess or use a gaff while fishing on the Rainy River.rule
- Sauger without head and tail intact will be counted as walleye.rule
- Dark house spearing season Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 (Canada-Minnesota border water possession limits apply).rule
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 6 combined total (only 1 over 20" in possession) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Lake of the Woods and tributaries from mouth to upstream boundaries listed on p. 67 | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Namakan, Sand Point and Little Vermilion lakes | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy Lake | 8 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and all tributaries from the mouth to the upstream boundaries liste | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and tributaries) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Saganaga Lake | 3 (only 1 walleye over 20") | May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Northern pike | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 3 (only 1 over 30" in possession) | Continuous |
| Northern pike | Lake of the Woods and Rainy River to the dam at International Falls and all tributaries from the mouth to the upstream b | 3 (All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession.) | Continuous |
| Northern pike | Basswood Lake (includes Jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist, and Back bays) | 2 (All northern pike from 30-40" must be immediately released. Only 1 over 40" allowed in possession.) | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | All Canada-Minnesota border waters | 1 (minimum size 50") | June 20 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | All Canada-Minnesota border waters | 6 combined total | Continuous |
| Lake sturgeon | All Canada-Minnesota border waters | 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75") | April 24 – May 7 |
| Lake sturgeon | All Canada-Minnesota border waters | Catch-and-release only. No tag/endorsement needed. | May 8 – 15 |
Iowa-Minnesota
Iowa-Minnesota border waters
Jackson County: Little Spirit Lake. Jackson and Nobles counties: Iowa Lake. Martin County: Okamanpeedan (Tuttle), Iowa, and Swag lakes.
- Anglers may use up to 2 lines with 2 hooks per line.rule
- Setlines, trotlines, or unattended lines are unlawful.rule
- Spearing may be used anytime to take carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, bowfin, gar, or quillback.rule
- Spearing game fish is unlawful.rule
- Species not listed follow inland regulations of the state where taken.rule
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 3 | Continuous |
| Northern pike | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 3 | Continuous |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 3 combined total | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 1 (minimum size 40") | May 21 – Nov. 30 |
| Catfish | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 8 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish (bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, northern, warmouth, and their hybrids) | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 25 combined total | Continuous |
| Perch | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 25 | Continuous |
| White bass and yellow bass | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | No limit | Continuous |
| Bullhead | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | No limit | Continuous |
| Carp, sucker, redhorse, freshwater drum, buffalo, burbot (eelpout), bowfin, and quillback | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | No limit | Continuous |
| Gar | Iowa-Minnesota border waters | 10 | Continuous |
North Dakota-Minnesota
North Dakota-Minnesota border waters
Bois de Sioux River and the Red River of the North.
- Anglers may use 2 lines with up to 2 hooks per line.rule
- Dark house spearing is legal; catfish may not be speared at any time.rule
- It is unlawful to possess a spear, spring gaff or bow and arrow on or adjacent to any water body where the spearing and archery season is closed.rule
- Carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, and gar may be taken by spearing sunrise to sunset May 1 – Dec. 31.rule
- Culling is not allowed; at the end of the fishing day you may release live fish before leaving the water.rule
- Anglers fishing from the North Dakota shoreline must possess a North Dakota fishing license.rule
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 3 combined total | Continuous |
| Northern pike | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 3 | Continuous |
| Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, northern, warmouth, and their hybrids) | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 30 | Continuous |
| Perch | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 50 | Continuous |
| Crappie | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 30 | Continuous |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 3 combined total | Continuous |
| Lake sturgeon | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | Catch-and-release only; no tag/endorsement needed. | June 16 – April 14 each year |
| Lake sturgeon | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | Closed | April 15 – June 15 each year |
| Muskellunge | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 1 (minimum size 50") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 20 | Continuous |
| Bullhead | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 100 | Continuous |
| Catfish | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Carp, sucker, redhorse, freshwater drum, buffalo, burbot (eelpout), bowfin, and white bass | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | No limit | Continuous |
| Gar | Bois de Sioux River and Red River of the North | 10 | Continuous |
South Dakota-Minnesota
South Dakota-Minnesota border waters
Big Stone County: Big Stone Lake. Lincoln County: Hendricks Lake. Traverse County: Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, and Mustinka River from the mouth to MN Hwy 117 bridge.
- Anglers may use 2 lines with up to 3 hooks per line.rule
- Setlines, trotlines, or unattended lines are unlawful.rule
- Carp, buffalo, freshwater drum, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, and gar may be taken by spearing sunrise to sunset May 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027.rule
- Spearing game fish is unlawful except northern pike and catfish from a dark house; catfish may not be speared on the Bois de Sioux River from White Rock Dam to the North Dakota border.rule
- Culling is not allowed on the Bois de Sioux River from White Rock Dam to the North Dakota border.rule
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 4 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20") | Continuous |
| Northern pike (angling) | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 6 | Continuous |
| Northern pike (spearing) | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 3 | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 6 combined total | Continuous |
| Crappie | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 10 | Continuous |
| Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, northern, warmouth, and their hybrids) | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Rock bass | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 20 | Continuous |
| Bullhead | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 100 | Continuous |
| Perch | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 15 daily and 30 in possession | Continuous |
| Catfish (channel and flathead) | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 5 combined total. Not more than 2 can be flathead (only 1 catfish over 24"). | Channel catfish: continuous; Flathead catfish: April 1 – Nov. 30 |
| Lake sturgeon | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | Catch-and-release only; no tag/endorsement needed. | June 16 – April 14 each year |
| Lake sturgeon | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | Closed | April 15 – June 15 each year |
| Carp, sucker, redhorse, freshwater drum, buffalo, burbot (eelpout), bowfin, and white bass | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | No limit | Continuous |
| Gar | Big Stone Lake, Hendricks Lake, Lake Traverse, Mud Lake, Bois de Sioux River to North Dakota border, Mustinka River from | 10 | Continuous |
Wisconsin-Minnesota
Wisconsin-Minnesota border waters
Mississippi River (downstream of the Highway 10 bridge in Prescott, Wisconsin and all waters between the Burlington Northern [Wisconsin] and Canadian Pacific [Minnesota] railroad tracks), Lake Pepin, St. Croix River, Lake St. Croix and St. Louis River Estuary. Anglers may fish shore to shore with either a Minnesota or Wisconsin fishing license.
- 2 lines with a single lure or bait on each are permitted; with 1 line, 2 baits.rule
- Fish hooked anywhere except the mouth must be returned immediately.rule
- Anglers must be within 400 feet of their tip-ups.rule
- Native rough fish and common carp may be taken by spearing and dip-netting sunrise to sunset May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 (dip net hoops max 24").rule
- Spearing game fish is prohibited.rule
- Fish sanctuaries: no fishing within 300 feet below Lock and Dam 3 and Lock and Dam 4 March 1 – April 30; St. Croix River no fishing March 2 – June 15 from Taylors Falls dam to the upstream side of the Highway 8 bridge; St. Louis River Estuary no fishing at any time from Fond du Lac Dam to the boundarule
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | St. Louis River Estuary | 2 combined total (15" minimum size for walleye) | May 9, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | St. Croix River upstream of Taylors Falls Dam | 6 combined total (15" minimum size for walleye) | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | St. Croix River downstream of Taylors Falls Dam to the U.S. Hwy 10 bridge | 4 combined total (15" minimum size for walleye, only 1 walleye or sauger over 20") | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Mississippi River Pools 3-8 including Lake Pepin | 4 combined total (15" minimum size for walleye, only 1 walleye or sauger over 20") | Continuous |
| Walleye and sauger | Mississippi River downstream of Lock and Dam 8 | 6 combined total (15" minimum size for walleye, all walleye from 20-27" must be immediately released, only 1 walleye ove | Continuous |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | St. Louis River Estuary | 5 combined total (14" minimum size) | May 23, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | St. Croix River upstream of Taylors Falls Dam | 5 (14" minimum size) | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | St. Croix River upstream of Taylors Falls Dam | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | St. Croix River downstream of Taylors Falls Dam to U.S. Hwy 10 bridge | 5 (14" minimum size) | May 23, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Mississippi River and Lake Pepin | 5 (14" minimum size) | Continuous |
| Northern pike | St. Louis River Estuary | 2 | May 9, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Northern pike | St. Croix River upstream of Taylors Falls Dam | 5 | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Northern pike | St. Croix River downstream of Taylors Falls Dam to U.S. Hwy 10 bridge | 3 (only 1 over 30") | May 2, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Northern pike | Mississippi River and Lake Pepin | 3 (only 1 over 30") | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | All Wisconsin-Minnesota border waters | 1 (50" minimum size) | May 23 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Perch | St. Croix River downstream of Taylors Falls Dam, Mississippi River and Lake Pepin | 15 | Continuous |
In photos
Minnesota waters, pictured
Photo: Lorne Sunley, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region, Public domain
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Photo: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jimmy Dreger, CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers
Asked about the Minnesota Border Waters Rules page
Does a Minnesota license work on Lake of the Woods?
On the Minnesota portion; the Canadian portion needs an Ontario license.
Can I fish the Mississippi River border with a Minnesota license?
Yes; on Wisconsin border waters a Minnesota license covers the defined border water shore to shore.
Which rules apply on border water?
The rules of the state you are fishing in; more permissive rules apply only in that state’s water.
How many lines can I use on Canadian border water?
One line, or two when ice fishing.
Is Big Stone Lake border water?
Yes, with South Dakota; South Dakota border rules and seasons apply.
Are walleye limits different on Lake of the Woods?
Yes; 6 walleye and sauger with no more than 4 walleye, walleye 19.5 to 28 inches released and only one over 28 inches.
Can I gaff a fish on the Rainy River?
No; gaffs may not be possessed or used while fishing the Rainy River.
Which border waters are listed?
Canada, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin border waters, each with its own table.
More
Other Minnesota limits pages
- Minnesota Inland Waters Limitsstatewide limits, pike zones and line rules
- Minnesota Ice Fishing Ruleslines, shelters, removal dates and spearing
- Minnesota Trout and Lake Superior Rulesstream trout seasons, stamp and Lake Superior limits
- Minnesota Special Regulations Waterslakes and streams with their own limits
- License and feeswho needs one, prices