Des Moines River Fishing
Murray County and 3 other counties, Des Moines River State Water Trail.
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The Des Moines River, the Minnesota rundown
Kittle route lines carry the Des Moines River, a Minnesota river, through Murray County and 3 other counties. Its mapped line inside Minnesota runs about 137 miles. Roughly 4 miles of road lie between it and Currie. Paddlers know it as the Des Moines River State Water Trail.
The river has 2 active gauges. The DNR access layer lists 10 public accesses.
Current readings, Des Moines River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines River Above Windom, Mn | 192 cfs, 10.59 ft gage height | Nov 13 10:00 am |
| Des Moines River At Jackson, Mn | 197 cfs, 7.75 ft gage height | Nov 13 10:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 13, 2026 10:34 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Where boats go in on the Des Moines River
- Talcot Lake Access1 ramp, 15 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, Cottonwood County, river mile 70
- Des Moines River, Talc Accesscarry-in access, Cottonwood County, river mile 68
- Des Moines River, Pats Grove Accesscarry-in access, Cottonwood County, river mile 55.3
- Des Moines River, Hwy 13 Accesscarry-in access, Cottonwood County, river mile 38.5
- Des Moines River, Dam Access1 ramp, 15 trailer stalls, Cottonwood County, river mile 36.9
- Des Moines River, Mayflower Park Access1 ramp, 10 trailer stalls, Cottonwood County, river mile 36.1
- Des Moines River, Chris Access1 ramp, Jackson County, river mile 29.1
- Des Moines River, Belmon Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, toilet, Jackson County, river mile 22.8
- Des Moines River, Ashley Park Accesscarry-in access, Jackson County, river mile 12.8
- Des Moines River, Petersburg Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, Jackson County, river mile 3.1
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
DNR rules on the Des Moines River
The statewide table below governs the Des Moines 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 (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | 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 neighboring Des Moines River
- Shetek Lakeunder a mile
- Bloody Lake1 mile
- Fox Lake, Murray County2 miles
- Lake Sarah4 miles
Where to grab leeches near Des Moines River
- Rainbow Baitbait and tackle shop, Ruthton, 21 miles
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Marshall, 22 miles
- Borch's Sporting Goods Incsporting goods store, Marshall, 23 miles
Lodging towns close to Des Moines River
- Currie4 miles
- Garvin7 miles
- Dovray9 miles
- Tracy9 miles
Other rivers near the Des Moines River
- Cottonwood River17 miles
- Redwood River20 miles
- Rock River31 miles
- Yellow Medicine River34 miles
Des Moines River county pages
- Murray County
- Cottonwood County
- Jackson County
- Lyon County
Piscifun tackle for a day on the Des Moines River
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Answers before you wade the Des Moines River
Which way does the Des Moines River run?
The DNR route line runs through Murray County, Cottonwood County, Jackson County and Lyon County.
Is the Des Moines River a trout stream?
The DNR does not list it as trout water.
What is the latest gauge reading on the Des Moines River?
See the 2 USGS gauges on this page.
How many accesses does the Des Moines River have?
10 public accesses on the map, Talcot Lake Access among them.
Is there a catch-and-release reach on the Des Moines River?
Statewide limits only.
Do I need a Minnesota license for the Des Moines River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Which bait shop is closest to the Des Moines River?
Rainbow Bait sits about 21 miles away.
Which Minnesota town lies closest to the Des Moines River?
Base out of Currie, roughly 4 miles away.
Which fish has the DNR found in the Des Moines River?
No species list is published for it.
Drift a bait through the Des Moines River
Flow and limits first, then the drive.