Mustinka River Fishing
Grant County, Traverse County and Otter Tail County.
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First look at the Mustinka River
Through Grant County, Traverse County and Otter Tail County, the Mustinka River cuts its way as a river. Its Minnesota length on the map is about 66 miles. Measured from the route midpoint, Norcross sits about 2 miles off.
1 active gauge report from the channel. 1 public access give boat access.
Discharge on the Mustinka River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Mustinka River Above Wheaton, Mn | 177 cfs, 78.16 ft gage height | Nov 12 3:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 3:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Canoe put-ins along the Mustinka River
- Mustinka River Access near Wheaton1 ramp, 14 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, Traverse County, river mile 1
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
DNR survey waters on the Mustinka River
- Mustinka River Flowage91 acres
Harvest rules on the Mustinka River
No special regulation names the Mustinka River, so statewide rows apply.
| 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 worth a look near Mustinka River
- Mustinka River Flowage2 miles
- Graham Lake, Grant County6 miles
- Cottonwood Lake, Grant County10 miles
- Barrett Lake13 miles
Tackle stops on the way to Mustinka River
- Chumpy's Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Elbow Lake, 12 miles
- T & B's Short Stopfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Ashby, 22 miles
Overnight bases for Mustinka River
- Norcross2 miles
- Herman4 miles
- Wendell11 miles
- Elbow Lake12 miles
Rivers surrounding the Mustinka River
- Pomme de Terre River15 miles
- Otter Tail River29 miles
- Long Prairie River44 miles
- Chippewa River47 miles
Counties surrounding Mustinka River
- Grant County
- Traverse County
- Otter Tail County
Piscifun reels to pack for the Mustinka River
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The Mustinka River, asked by anglers
Which Minnesota county holds the Mustinka River?
It crosses Grant County, Traverse County and Otter Tail County.
Which stream trout rules cover the Mustinka River?
It is not a designated trout stream.
Does a USGS gauge sit on the Mustinka River?
Readings from 1 USGS gauge are shown above.
Can I put a canoe in the Mustinka River?
Try Mustinka River Access near Wheaton, one of 1 public access.
Are statewide limits in force on the Mustinka River?
The statewide table covers it.
Which license do I need on the Mustinka River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Which shop is nearest the Mustinka River?
Try Chumpy's Bait Shop (12 miles).
How far is the Mustinka River from a Minnesota city?
Norcross, about 2 miles from the mapped midpoint.
Does the Mustinka River have walleye?
On file: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, yellow bullhead and black bullhead.
Plan a river day on the Mustinka River
Check the flow and the rules before you drive.