Buffalo River Fishing
Clay County and Becker County.
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Key facts on the Buffalo River
The DNR maps the Buffalo River as a river running through Clay County and Becker County. Roughly 128 miles of channel are mapped. Census points put Dilworth closest, around 5 miles off.
Live numbers come from 2 active gauges.
USGS readings on the Buffalo River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo River Near Hawley, Mn | 67 cfs, 3.64 ft gage height | Nov 12 1:45 am |
| Buffalo River Near Dilworth, Mn | 113 cfs, 4.11 ft gage height | Nov 12 2:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 2:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Landings on the Buffalo River
Road crossings and public land are the way onto the Buffalo River.
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Possession limits on the Buffalo River
The statewide inland rows are the rule set on the Buffalo River.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Lakes one stop past Buffalo River
- Silver Lake, Clay County17 miles
- Lee Lake, Clay County20 miles
- Tilde Lake22 miles
- Barnesville Lake23 miles
Bait shops an easy drive from Buffalo River
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Moorhead, 6 miles
Towns to stay in near Buffalo River
- Dilworth5 miles
- Glyndon7 miles
- Moorhead7 miles
- Georgetown11 miles
More Minnesota streams near the Buffalo River
- Felton Creek14 miles
- Lawndale Creek29 miles
- Red River30 miles
- Wild Rice River38 miles
Buffalo River and its counties
- Clay County
- Becker County
Reels and a weigh grip for the Buffalo River
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Catches common at Buffalo River
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey from Reston, VA, USA, CC0 1.0
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Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Public domain
Photo: Scott Harden, CC BY-SA 4.0
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What people ask about the Buffalo River
Which Minnesota counties does the Buffalo River cross?
Counties: Clay County and Becker County.
How does the DNR list the Buffalo River for trout?
No trout designation applies to it.
Is the Buffalo River running high today?
2 USGS gauges post readings above.
Can I paddle a kayak on the Buffalo River?
No launch on file.
What are the limits on the Buffalo River?
Nothing beyond statewide limits.
What does a license for the Buffalo River cost?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Where can I buy minnows near the Buffalo River?
The nearest listing is Runnings, 6 miles off.
Which city is nearest the Buffalo River?
Dilworth is the closest Census city, around 5 miles.
Which fish bite in the Buffalo River?
The DNR publishes no stream survey list for it in LakeFinder.
Drive to the Buffalo River
Trout rules change by season; read them first.