Rat Root River Fishing
Koochiching County and St. Louis County.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Kabetogama Lake: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region, Public domain
The short version on the Rat Root River
The Rat Root River is a Minnesota river with its course in Koochiching County and St. Louis County. About 64 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Littlefork is the closest Census city, roughly 16 miles away.
There are 2 public accesses along it.
Launching on the Rat Root River
- Rat Root River, Ericsburg Access1 ramp, 7 trailer stalls, Koochiching County, river mile 9.2
- Rat Root River Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, Koochiching County, river mile 0.1
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Rat Root River
The DNR posts no rule for the Rat Root 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 Rat Root River
Neighbor lakes around Rat Root River
- Rat Root Lake9 miles
- Moose Lake, Koochiching County10 miles
- Kabetogama Lake13 miles
- Locator Lake15 miles
Bait and tackle closest to Rat Root River
- Kab Outdoorsbait and tackle shop, Kabetogama, 8 miles
- Cold Springs Incfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Orr, 12 miles
- Seegerts Landingmarina, International Falls, 15 miles
- Seegert's Marinemarina, Koochiching, 15 miles
- The Fishermanbait and tackle shop, International Falls, 16 miles
Minnesota towns closest to Rat Root River
- Littlefork16 miles
- International Falls17 miles
- Ranier17 miles
- Nett Lake19 miles
Rivers one stop past the Rat Root River
- Ash River14 miles
- Black Duck River16 miles
- Ninemile Creek20 miles
- Little Fork River22 miles
Rat Root River, county lines
Piscifun gear suited to the Rat Root River
.jpg){kind=link}
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Handy answers on the Rat Root River
Through which counties does the Rat Root River run?
Look in Koochiching County and St. Louis County.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Rat Root River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Rat Root River discharge today?
No USGS gauge reports for it.
Is there a boat launch on the Rat Root River?
2 public accesses, such as Rat Root River, Ericsburg Access.
Are there bait limits on the Rat Root River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Rat Root 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 Rat Root River?
Kab Outdoors, roughly 8 miles from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the Rat Root River?
The closest Census city is Littlefork (16 miles).
Which fish can I hook in the Rat Root River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the Rat Root River
Limits and flow are on this page.