Kettle River Fishing
Pine County and Carlton County, Kettle River State Water Trail.
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The Kettle River, the Minnesota rundown
Kittle route lines carry the Kettle River, a Minnesota river, through Pine County and Carlton County. Its mapped line inside Minnesota runs about 83 miles. Roughly 2 miles of road lie between it and Sandstone. Paddlers know it as the Kettle River State Water Trail.
It is listed as muskie water. The river has 1 active gauge. The DNR access layer lists 8 public accesses.
Current readings, Kettle River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Kettle River Below Sandstone, Mn | 469 cfs, 4.85 ft gage height | Nov 10 12:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 10, 2026 12:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Where boats go in on the Kettle River
- Musclewood Lake Accesscarry-in access, 1 trailer stalls, Pine County, river mile 46.2
- Kettle River, #1 Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, Pine County, river mile 29.8
- Kettle River, #2 Access1 ramp, toilet, Pine County, river mile 28.4
- Kettle River, Sandstone Access1 ramp, 5 trailer stalls, toilet, Pine County, river mile 25.5
- Kettle River, #4 Accesscarry-in access, Pine County, river mile 23.6
- Kettle River, #5 Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, Pine County, river mile 15.1
- Kettle River, #6 Accesscarry-in access, 10 trailer stalls, toilet, Pine County, river mile 8
- Kettle River, #7 Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, Pine County, river mile 3.6
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
DNR rules on the Kettle River
The statewide table below governs the Kettle 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 neighboring Kettle River
- Grindstone Reservoir7 miles
- Grass Lake, Pine County7 miles
- Grindstone Lake7 miles
- Indian Lake, Pine County7 miles
Where to grab leeches near Kettle River
- Petry's Bait Companybait and tackle shop, Finlayson, 8 miles
- Red's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Pine City, 24 miles
Lodging towns close to Kettle River
- Sandstone2 miles
- Hinckley6 miles
- Askov7 miles
- Finlayson8 miles
Other rivers near the Kettle River
- Crooked Creek, West Fork12 miles
- Hay Creek, Pine County13 miles
- Sand Creek, Pine County13 miles
- Crooked Creek, Pine County15 miles
Kettle River county pages
Piscifun tackle for a day on the Kettle River
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Answers before you wade the Kettle River
Which way does the Kettle River run?
The DNR route line runs through Pine County and Carlton County.
Is the Kettle River a trout stream?
The DNR does not list it as trout water.
What is the latest gauge reading on the Kettle River?
See the 1 USGS gauge on this page.
How many accesses does the Kettle River have?
8 public accesses on the map, Kettle River, #2 Access among them.
Is there a catch-and-release reach on the Kettle River?
Statewide limits only.
Do I need a Minnesota license for the Kettle 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 Kettle River?
Petry's Bait Company sits about 8 miles away.
Which Minnesota town lies closest to the Kettle River?
Base out of Sandstone, roughly 2 miles away.
Which fish has the DNR found in the Kettle River?
No species list is published for it.
Drift a bait through the Kettle River
Flow and limits first, then the drive.