Chippewa River Fishing
Pope County and 5 other counties, Chippewa River State Water Trail.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Minnewaska: Jimmy Selix, CC BY-SA 3.0
The short version on the Chippewa River
The Chippewa River is a Minnesota river with its course in Pope County and 5 other counties. About 144 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Benson is the closest Census city, roughly 1 mile away. The Chippewa River State Water Trail follows it.
Readings come from 3 active gauges. There are 5 public accesses along it.
The Chippewa River at the latest reading
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa River Near Milan, Mn | 913 cfs, 2.93 ft gage height | Nov 12 3:45 am |
| Chippewa R. (hw) Above County Rd 13 Nr Watson, Mn | 40.10 ft gage height | Nov 12 3:45 am |
| Chippewa River (tw) Near Watson, Mn | 289 cfs, 38.07 ft gage height | Nov 12 4:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 4:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Launching on the Chippewa River
- Chippewa River, Swift County Access1 ramp, 5 trailer stalls, Swift County, river mile 52
- Chippewa River, Norby Landing Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, Swift County, river mile 40.1
- Chippewa River, Lentz Landing Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, Chippewa County, river mile 21
- Chippewa River, Watson Sag Dam Access1 ramp, toilet, Chippewa County, river mile 12.7
- Chippewa River, Montevideo Access1 ramp, Chippewa County, river mile 1.2
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Chippewa River
The DNR posts no rule for the Chippewa River by name.
| 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.
For the walleye herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 In the neighborhood of Chippewa River
Neighbor lakes around Chippewa River
- Camp Lake, Swift County13 miles
- Emily Lake, Pope County14 miles
- Page Lake17 miles
- Scandinavian Lake17 miles
Bait and tackle closest to Chippewa River
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Benson, under a mile
- Mike's Guns And Sporting Goodssporting goods store, Benson, 1 mile
- Minnewaska Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Starbuck, 21 miles
Minnesota towns closest to Chippewa River
- Benson1 mile
- Clontarf6 miles
- Danvers6 miles
- De Graff8 miles
Rivers one stop past the Chippewa River
- Minnesota River28 miles
- Lac qui Parle River36 miles
- Mustinka River47 miles
- Pomme de Terre River48 miles
Chippewa River, county lines
- Pope County
- Swift County
- Chippewa County
- Douglas County
- Grant County
- Stevens County
Piscifun gear suited to the Chippewa River
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Handy answers on the Chippewa River
Through which counties does the Chippewa River run?
Look in Pope County and 5 other counties.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Chippewa River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Chippewa River discharge today?
The 3 USGS gauges readings sit above.
Is there a boat launch on the Chippewa River?
5 public accesses, such as Chippewa River, Lentz Landing Access.
Are there bait limits on the Chippewa River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Chippewa River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Is there a bait and tackle stop near the Chippewa River?
Runnings, roughly under a mile from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the Chippewa River?
The closest Census city is Benson (1 mile).
Which fish can I hook in the Chippewa River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the Chippewa River
Limits and flow are on this page.