St. Francis River Fishing
Sherburne County and Benton County.
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The short version on the St. Francis River
The St. Francis River is a Minnesota river with its course in Sherburne County and Benton County. About 70 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Foley is the closest Census city, roughly 4 miles away.
There are 3 public accesses along it.
Launching on the St. Francis River
- St. Francis River, Co Rd 4, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Access1 ramp, Sherburne County, river mile 16.5
- St. Francis River, Co Rd 15 Access1 ramp, Sherburne County, river mile 10.2
- St. Francis River, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Access1 ramp, Sherburne County, river mile 0.1
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the St. Francis River
The DNR posts no rule for the St. Francis 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.
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Neighbor lakes around St. Francis River
- Julia Lake, Sherburne County9 miles
- Briggs Lake9 miles
- Rush Lake, Sherburne County10 miles
- Elk Lake near Clear Lake, Sherburne County11 miles
Bait and tackle closest to St. Francis River
- Mimbach Fleet Supplyfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Sauk Rapids, 12 miles
- Go North Outdoorssporting goods store, Princeton, 12 miles
- Stop Light Baitbait and tackle shop, Saint Cloud, 14 miles
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, St Cloud, 14 miles
- Prince Bait & Marine Incbait and tackle shop, Milaca, 17 miles
Minnesota towns closest to St. Francis River
- Foley4 miles
- Gilman9 miles
- Foreston10 miles
- Pease12 miles
Rivers one stop past the St. Francis River
- Elk River9 miles
- Robinson Hill Creek19 miles
- Little Rock Creek22 miles
- Rum River30 miles
St. Francis River, county lines
- Sherburne County
- Benton County
Piscifun gear suited to the St. Francis River
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Handy answers on the St. Francis River
Through which counties does the St. Francis River run?
Look in Sherburne County and Benton County.
Do I need a trout stamp on the St. Francis River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the St. Francis River discharge today?
No USGS gauge reports for it.
Is there a boat launch on the St. Francis River?
3 public accesses, such as St. Francis River, Co Rd 4, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Access.
Are there bait limits on the St. Francis River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the St. Francis 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 St. Francis River?
Mimbach Fleet Supply, roughly 12 miles from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the St. Francis River?
The closest Census city is Foley (4 miles).
Which fish can I hook in the St. Francis River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the St. Francis River
Limits and flow are on this page.