Platte River Fishing
Morrison County, Crow Wing County and Benton County.
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The Platte River in numbers
Minnesota anglers fish the Platte River, a river of Morrison County, Crow Wing County and Benton County. The DNR route line covers close to 60 miles. For minnows and gas, Harding is about 2 miles away.
The access list holds 1 public access.
Reaching the Platte River by boat
- Platte River, McGonagle Park Access1 ramp, toilet, Morrison County, river mile 6.2
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Booklet rules for the Platte River
Every limit on the Platte River is in the table below.
| 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 Beyond the shore of Platte River
More Minnesota lakes near Platte River
- Round Lake near Harding, Morrison County4 miles
- Sullivan Lake, Morrison County5 miles
- Platte Lake6 miles
- Rock Lake near Harding, Crow Wing County8 miles
Minnow buckets filled near Platte River
- Lake-N-River Baitbait and tackle shop, Brainerd, 11 miles
- Terry's Boat Harbormarina, Garrison, 13 miles
- Hot Spot Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Brainerd, 14 miles
- Tutt's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Garrison, 15 miles
- Tutts Bait And Tacklebait and tackle shop, Garrison, 15 miles
Towns within an easy drive of Platte River
- Harding2 miles
- Lastrup7 miles
- Pierz12 miles
- Hillman12 miles
Streams neighboring the Platte River
- Nokasippi River7 miles
- Gull River, Cass County21 miles
- Little Rock Creek22 miles
- Elk River32 miles
Counties that Platte River reaches
- Morrison County
- Crow Wing County
- Benton County
Four Piscifun picks for the Platte River
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Fish to look for at Platte River
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Reader questions on the Platte River
How do I drive to the Platte River?
Through Morrison County, Crow Wing County and Benton County.
May I keep trout from the Platte River?
No; it carries no trout designation.
Where can I check discharge on the Platte River?
No flow station covers it.
Which accesses reach the Platte River?
The DNR layer lists 1 public access; Platte River, McGonagle Park Access is one.
Are there special DNR rules on the Platte River?
Only statewide limits.
Is a stamp needed on the Platte River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Who sells leeches near the Platte River?
Lake-N-River Bait, about 11 miles away.
Which Minnesota town makes a base for the Platte River?
Harding, some 2 miles off by air.
Which species does the Platte River hold?
Species are not on file for it.
Work the Platte River
Buy the license and stamp online before the trip.