American eel across Minnesota
Limits, records and lakes for American eel.
- Catch-and-release onlimit
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Pepin: Jonathunder, CC BY-SA 3.0
About Minnesota American eel
American eel counts among the state fish list in Minnesota. Anglers may keep Catch-and-release only in inland waters (statewide), Continuous.
It shows up in DNR surveys of 4 lakes (4 with pages here).
American eel limits and seasons
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Inland waters (statewide) | Catch-and-release only | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
American eel across the state
Where to fish lakes for American eel
- Lake Pepin12,299 acres
- St. Louis River Estuary10,255 acres
- Spring Lake, Dakota County1,494 acres
- Cottonwood Lake, Lyon County383 acres
Rivers and creeks for American eel
- Mississippi RiverAitkin
- St. Louis RiverSt. Louis
DNR LakeFinder survey lists; largest lakes first.
Outfitters who list American eel
- Action Fishing ChartersLake Superior charter, Lake Superior, Duluth, (218) 355-8540
- Grand Marais ChartersLake Superior charter, Lake Superior, Grand Marais, (218) 370-5800
- Reel SwedeLake Superior charter, Lake Superior, (218) 387-4159
- Tofte ChartersLake Superior charter, Lake Superior, Schroeder, (218) 663-9932
Species listed with American eel
Pictures of water close to American eel
Photo: Jonathunder, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pete Nelson ( PeteNelson at English Wikipedia ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Runner1928, CC0
Handy answers on American eel
May Minnesota anglers keep American eel?
Catch-and-release only (Inland waters (statewide)), season Continuous.
Which Minnesota water gave up the record American eel?
No state record is listed.
Which lakes hold American eel?
6 waters on this site, including Lake Pepin, St. Louis River Estuary and Spring Lake, Dakota County.
Where does the DNR stock American eel?
None listed on the area pages.
How do I tell American eel from similar fish?
See the DNR profile.
When does Minnesota American eel season open and close?
Continuous
Do kids need a license for American eel?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Which guides list American eel?
4 guides list it, including Action Fishing Charters.
Plan a Minnesota American eel trip
Pick a lake from the lists on this page.