Wild Rice River Fishing
Norman County, Mahnomen County and Clearwater County.
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Getting to know the Wild Rice River
Across Norman County, Mahnomen County and Clearwater County, the Wild Rice River winds along as a river. GIS lines trace roughly 167 miles of it in the state. The nearest incorporated city is Mahnomen, about 4 miles from its midpoint.
There are 2 active gauges along it. Put-ins on file: 3 public accesses.
USGS gauges along the Wild Rice River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Rice River At Twin Valley, Mn | 181 cfs, 2.72 ft gage height | Nov 12 2:45 am |
| Wild Rice River At Hendrum, Mn | 258 cfs, 5.04 ft gage height | Nov 12 2:30 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 12, 2026 3:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Accesses on the Wild Rice River
- Wild Rice River, Heiburg Park Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, Norman County, river mile 58.8
- Wild Rice River Accesscarry-in access, 12 trailer stalls, Norman County, river mile 3.5
- Wild Rice River, Rask Park Accesscarry-in access, 25 trailer stalls, Norman County, river mile 2.2
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
DNR limits on the Wild Rice River
Nothing beyond statewide limits is posted for the Wild Rice River.
| 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 a short haul from Wild Rice River
- Church Lake, Mahnomen County11 miles
- Little Vanose Lake15 miles
- Sargent Lake17 miles
- White Earth Lake17 miles
Bait counters serving Wild Rice River
- Wertish Bait Companybait and tackle shop, Mcintosh, 25 miles
Places to bunk near Wild Rice River
- Mahnomen4 miles
- Waubun9 miles
- Twin Valley11 miles
- Bejou11 miles
Creeks beside the Wild Rice River
- Sand Hill River21 miles
- Felton Creek25 miles
- Poplar River26 miles
- Buckboard Creek28 miles
Minnesota counties sharing Wild Rice River
- Norman County
- Mahnomen County
- Clearwater County
Spinning and baitcasting picks for the Wild Rice River
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Species in the nets at Wild Rice River
Photo: Hardyplants, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Engbretson Eric, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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The Wild Rice River, questions with short answers
What part of Minnesota holds the Wild Rice River?
DNR route lines put it in Norman County, Mahnomen County and Clearwater County.
Is the Wild Rice River designated trout water?
Not designated for trout.
Is there a USGS gauge on the Wild Rice River?
USGS runs 2 USGS gauges; the table is above.
Where do I launch on the Wild Rice River?
3 public accesses; Wild Rice River, Heiburg Park Access is one.
Which DNR rules apply on the Wild Rice River?
Statewide limits apply.
Can visitors fish the Wild Rice River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Where are minnows sold near the Wild Rice River?
Drive 25 miles to reach Wertish Bait Company.
What town makes a base on the Wild Rice River?
Mahnomen, about 4 miles from the midpoint by air.
Which fish swim in the Wild Rice River?
LakeFinder carries no stream species for it.
Put the Wild Rice River on this season’s list
Check the gauge and the regulations before the trip.