Jan. 12, 2026



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Jan. 12, 2026




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Minnesotans can fish free statewide with kids Jan. 17-19 [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Minnesota DNR proposes to reduce statewide walleye limit from 6 to 4 [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Minnesota DNR requesting feedback on hunting, fishing regulations books [ #link_1491412003165 ]
* Zebra mussel larva confirmed in Goose Lake in Chisago County [ #link_1 ]

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Minnesotans can fish free statewide with kids Jan. 17-19

DNR has tips on fishing, safety and combining fishing with other outdoor winter fun
A kid and an adult holding a fishing line near an ice fishing hole

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19.

During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.

“Ice fishing is fun. If you’ve ever considered it, this is a great winter to give ice fishing a try,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Our weather this winter has generally been good for making ice on lakes across the state, though it’s always important to verify ice depth before venturing out to your chosen spot”

Groups new to ice fishing can find helpful tips, ice safety information, and a webinar about taking kids ice fishing on the Minnesota DNR take a kid ice fishing webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/takeakidicefishing). Of further note, the fishing season for trout in lakes outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins Jan. 17. The locations of trout fishing lakes and other tools to find trout fishing opportunities are available on the DNR trout fishing webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/fishing/trout).

People can also consider fishing at a state park or recreation area — where they can combine fishing with other outdoor fun. The Minnesota DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 19 during Free Park Day [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays). Recreational opportunities at state parks and recreation areas include birding, winter hiking, nature photography, and enjoying a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. People can visit the DNR winter activities guide [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/state_parks/winter_guide/index.html) for more ideas.

*Safety guidelines*

People should be cautious on the ice. Don’t rely exclusively on condition reports.

People going out on the ice should check the ice and not just for thickness. White ice can be deceiving. If the ice is white, double the ice thickness guidelines [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/safety/ice/thickness.html) for clear ice.

Following ice safety guidelines [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/icesafety) can help minimize the risk:


* Always wear a foam life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
* Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.
* Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
* Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
* Don’t go out alone. Let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
* Before heading out, ask about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
* Parents and guardians should talk with children about staying away from the ice unless there’s adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, wetlands and anywhere ice forms.

Fishing information, including regulations, fishing basics and the popular DNR LakeFinder, is available on the Minnesota DNR fishing page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/fishing).

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Minnesota DNR proposes to reduce statewide walleye limit from 6 to 4

New rules would also clarify the regulations for anglers on border waters

Minnesota anglers would be able to keep four walleyes instead of six in a proposal by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to update a statewide inland water walleye fishing regulation that’s been in place since 1956.

The rule change if approved, would go into effect March 1, 2027. The current regulation of only one walleye over 20 inches in possession would remain in place.

“The DNR is taking proactive steps to help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the excellent walleye fishing we have in Minnesota,” said Brad Parsons, fisheries section manager. “Over the last 70 years that the current limit has been in place, many factors have changed, including climactic conditions, invasive species introductions and fish-finding technologies.”

The proposed rule would also clarify that, when fishing regulations for inland waters are different from rules listed in other parts of the fishing regulations, the rules in other parts of the regulations take precedence. Examples include border waters regulations, when waters are closed to taking fish, or waters with other restrictions on taking fish. This change would be applicable to all species.

The Minnesota DNR is inviting comments on the proposed rule changesl until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. People may submit comments by:


* Email to [email protected]. Please mention “walleye limit” in the subject line or body of the email. 
* Phone to the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.
* Mail to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

“We have discussed this walleye limit proposal informally for a long time, including working with anglers and interested groups to see if this is something anglers would support. Now we’re going through the formal process to propose the change and gather input,” Parsons said. “This proposal is informed by what fisheries research and sampling data point to about walleye in the future.”

More information about the proposal, including previous public input and factors the DNR considered, is available on the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/fisheries/management/walleye-limit.html).

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Minnesota DNR requesting feedback on hunting, fishing regulations books

Anglers, hunters and trappers are invited to share their thoughts with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the regulations books published annually to inform people about how they can legally hunt, trap and fish in the state.

“We are interested in understanding how people access, understand and use the information in these regulations books,” said Sarah Middleton, DNR wildlife rules and regulations coordinator. “To continuously improve how we inform the public about the regulations relevant to their activities, we want to hear from people willing to share their thoughts and experiences with us.”

The DNR produces three regulations books each year for fishing, hunting and trapping, and waterfowl hunting. The regulations books consolidate complex legal requirements into a comprehensive format for public use.

The DNR encourages people to share their thoughts using an online questionnaire on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/qr/rt-regs-book) through Monday, March 16. People can also submit feedback by email to [email protected] or to the DNR Section of Wildlife, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

The DNR will analyze feedback this spring and plans to continue engagement efforts throughout 2026. Copies of the regulations books are on the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing) and hunting regulations webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting). Printed copies are also available wherever DNR licenses are sold.

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Zebra mussel larva confirmed in Goose Lake in Chisago County
A zebra mussel larva

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of a zebra mussel larva in Goose Lake, near Stark in Chisago County.

Water samples taken in Goose Lake by the Wild River Conservancy and analyzed by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota, included a zebra mussel larva, called a veliger.

The DNR has not found adult zebra mussels in Goose Lake. The presence of a veliger, however, suggests reproducing zebra mussel populations. Goose Lake will be listed as infested with zebra mussels, and the Wild River Conservancy will monitor zebra mussel populations in the lake.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one water body to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment. Find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

More information is on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of a zebra mussel larva in Goose Lake, near Stark in Chisago County.

Water samples taken in Goose Lake by the Wild River Conservancy and analyzed by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota, included a zebra mussel larva, called a veliger.

The DNR has not found adult zebra mussels in Goose Lake. The presence of a veliger, however, suggests reproducing zebra mussel populations. Goose Lake will be listed as infested with zebra mussels, and the Wild River Conservancy will monitor zebra mussel populations in the lake.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one water body to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment. Find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

More information is on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ]*

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