Walleye 18- to 24-inch protected slot limit. All walleye in possession while on or fishing in the following waters must be less than 18 inches in length or greater than 24 inches in length. All walleye that are 18 to 24 inches in length, inclusive, must be immediately returned to the water.
How long is ice fishing season in Minnesota?
Anything over 28 inches is okay to keep. The open season for walleye is from May to April. Sturgeon – Regulations can be a bit hazy the closer you get to the Canadian-Minnesota border, but for MN ice fishing regulations, Sturgeon are catch-and-release between the months of October to April.
Do you need a fishing license to ice fish in Minnesota?
Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most Minnesota state parks, including ice fishing! If the body of water requires a trout stamp, you will need a fishing license whether you are fishing for trout or for something else.
What month is best for ice fishing?
March is the best month of the winter for ice-fishing in most of the Ice Belt, but anglers are never sure how the ice conditions will impact access to the lakes.
Can you ice fish in March in MN?
You see, in most of the great state of Minnesota, March ice fishing is somewhat limited. Fish houses cannot be left overnight on the ice for the entire month of March and the walleye and pike season closes the end of February.
How many lines can you ice fish with in MN?
You can catch fish with a line attached to a fishing pole. When the water isn’t frozen, you must use only one fishing pole. When the water is frozen, you can use two lines, which don’t have to be attached to a fishing pole. Regardless of the time of year, if your line is in the water you have to be right there.
How many holes can you ice fish in MN?
Ice Fish in a Heated Fish House (Or, since one angler can legally drop a line in two holes at once, fish one hole each way.
Can you catch and release without a license MN?
Do you need a fishing license for catch and release in MN? All residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.
Does time of day matter for ice fishing?
The best time of day to ice fish is during the first couple of hours after sunrise, and for about 2 hours both before and after sunset. These are the times when most fish are heading to their feeding grounds, and when most species are active.
Is it good to ice fish at night?
Less fishing pressure Most anglers are active during the day, so fishing at night will mean fewer anglers hovering over that hot brush pile or creek channel. The reduced the number of anglers crunching across the ice and the potential fish disturbance won’t hurt either.
What state is known for ice fishing?
Ice fishing in California? It might sound odd to you, but the Golden State has some pretty cool ice fishing spots. One of them is Silver Lake. Located at the base of Carson Mountain, it’s one of the most scenic ice fishing spots in the US.
How do you ice fish for walleye in Minnesota?
In Minnesota you can use two lines when ice fishing. Some walleye attack lures at full speed without hesitation. Other walleye swim slowly to your lure, inspect it at length and then opt to bite cautiously or swim away. Either way, snap your rod upward when you feel a hit.
How do you target walleye ice fishing?
How many walleye can you have in your freezer in Minnesota?
I can legally have 10 walleyes in my freezer at home and can then catch 2 more anywhere in the state, that 2 are allowed.
What is the limit on crappies in MN?
Currently, the statewide daily limits on waters that do not have special regulations are 20 sunfish and 10 crappie daily. The new regulations lower limits on specific waters as part of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources initiative to protect and improve sunfish sizes.
Is night fishing legal in Minnesota?
Yes, it’s a thing in Minnesota, catching a walleye at midnight. If you ask me, it ought to be on that checklist titled “You’re not a real Minnesotan until you’ve …” caught a walleye at midnight. Saturday is Minnesota’s walleye fishing opener.
How many tip ups can you fish with in Minnesota?
No more than two tip-ups may be used for ice fishing on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. Tip-ups may not be more than 400 feet from the angler.
Do I need a walleye stamp in Minnesota?
The $5 Walleye Stamp is not required to fish or keep walleye in Minnesota. However, it raises money to supplement the state’s walleye stocking efforts, and that’s especially important this year.
Is anyone ice fishing in Minnesota?
With 10,000 lakes, the state of Minnesota is heaven for fishing, particularly ice fishing. The winter hits this northern state sooner and leaves later than the rest of the United States. It allows the lakes to have a thick frozen layer of ice for relatively long days.
How old is a 25 inch walleye?
Generally, female walleye which are 25 inches long are about 10 years old, and 30 inch females are in the range of 20 years old. The oldest Lake of the Woods walleye we have aged was a 23 year old female which was 30.3 inches long.
Can you use two hooks in MN?
Minnesota law restricts anglers fishing in inland waters and the Canadian border waters to one artificial lure/bait on a single line. While each artificial lure/bait may have more than one hook (a crankbait, for example), only one lure or tackle configuration is allowed on a single line.
Is it legal to use bluegill as bait in Minnesota?
Is that OK? A: Not in Minnesota. Minnesota law prohibits the use of game fish or parts of game fish as bait, along with carp or goldfish. If you choose, licensed anglers may catch their own minnows to use as bait, so long as the bait is not taken from infested waters.
How many ice houses are in MN?
355 SHELTERS ON ICE; DARK HOUSES AND FISH HOUSES.
How much is the fine for fishing without a license in Minnesota?
“You must have a fishing license in your possession while you are fishing.” Violators risk a fine and court costs of about $150.
Do veterans get free fishing license in Minnesota?
Resident 100 Percent Disabled Veterans Hunting & Fishing License: Minnesota 100 percent disabled veterans get a free lifetime fishing license and a free annual hunting license.