Third River Fishing
Itasca County and Beltrami County.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Mississippi River: Ken Gallager, CC BY-SA 4.0
The short version on the Third River
The Third River is a Minnesota river with its course in Itasca County and Beltrami County. About 24 miles are mapped in Minnesota. Squaw Lake is the closest Census city, roughly 9 miles away.
There are 1 public access along it.
Launching on the Third River
- Third River Access1 ramp, toilet, Itasca County, river mile 0.7
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Fish you may keep from the Third River
The DNR posts no rule for the Third 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 Third River
Neighbor lakes around Third River
- Little Dixon Lake1 mile
- Dixon Lake2 miles
- Sioux Lake4 miles
- Decker Lake4 miles
Bait and tackle closest to Third River
- Timberline Sports, Incsporting goods store, Blackduck, 13 miles
- Stone's Bait Servicebait and tackle shop, Northome, 15 miles
- Winnie Trading Postsporting goods store, Deer River, 19 miles
- Trapper's Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Bemidji, 21 miles
- Big Dick'sfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Kelliher, 23 miles
Minnesota towns closest to Third River
- Squaw Lake9 miles
- Funkley12 miles
- Blackduck12 miles
- Tenstrike17 miles
Rivers one stop past the Third River
- Gull River, Beltrami County15 miles
- Turtle River17 miles
- Blackduck River24 miles
- Necktie River26 miles
Third River, county lines
Piscifun gear suited to the Third River
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Handy answers on the Third River
Through which counties does the Third River run?
Look in Itasca County and Beltrami County.
Do I need a trout stamp on the Third River?
It is outside the trout stream layer.
What is the Third River discharge today?
No USGS gauge reports for it.
Is there a boat launch on the Third River?
1 public access, such as Third River Access.
Are there bait limits on the Third River?
No special DNR rule; the statewide rows apply.
Do kids need a license on the Third 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 Third River?
Timberline Sports, Inc, roughly 13 miles from the midpoint.
Which town sits near the Third River?
The closest Census city is Squaw Lake (9 miles).
Which fish can I hook in the Third River?
No survey list exists in the sources used.
Spend a morning on the Third River
Limits and flow are on this page.