And Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is coming up



Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

minnesota department of natural resources


*Minnesota Fishing *



"Jan. 13, 2026"

Stay informed! Here’s a summary of upcoming fisheries and habitat management activities and ways you can discover, explore and experience Minnesota’s outdoors.

________________________________________________________________________



DNR proposes to reduce statewide walleye limit from 6 to 4
woman holding walleye and top fin up standing in front of pickup truck

"“Minnesota River walleye, another catch and release"” courtesy of "Jaclyn Rose Andrade"

Minnesota anglers would be able to keep four walleyes instead of six in a proposal by the Minnesota DNR 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.

Why propose the change? The DNR is taking proactive steps to help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the excellent walleye fishing we have in Minnesota. 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.

We’re inviting comments on the proposed rule changes until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. 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. 

More information about the proposal, including previous public input and factors the DNR considered, is available on the DNR website [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Minnesotans fish free statewide with kids Jan. 17-19 
young girl holding up a crappie she caught while ice fishing, hole and portable shelter on ice in foreground and background, respectively

"“Crappie time!” courtesy of "Johnathan Molencamp""

This could be your year to take a kid ice fishing! And how about this weekend? 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 [ [link removed] ] 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. 

________________________________________________________________________



Tips if you’re new to ice fishing
family and dog on the ice with angler pulling a fish up

"“Ice fishing with the family” courtesy of Cara Hanson"

Want to learn how to go ice fishing? We have helpful information on our website to get you started. Check the DNR learn to ice fish page [ [link removed] ] for more information about ice fishing, including a recorded webinar with tips and techniques anglers can use to have fun catching sunfish, crappie and perch. Fishing information, including regulations, fishing basics and the popular DNR LakeFinder, is available on the DNR fishing page [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Ways to combine fishing with other outdoor fun
big sun dog over a frozen lake in a state park

"“Lake Lida in Maplewood State Park, holiday sun dogs” courtesy of Bill Anderson"

The DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 19 during Free Park Day [ [link removed] ], so it’s the perfect time to mix in some other winter activities like birding, winter hiking, nature photography, or having a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores.

________________________________________________________________________



Ice safety guidelines and Minnesota’s waste law

Always be cautious on the ice. Don’t rely on reports alone — always check the ice. 

If you are going out on the ice, check the ice and not just for thickness. White ice can be deceiving. If the ice is white, double the ice thickness guidelines. No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following the guidelines on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] can help minimize the risk.

Also please pick up your trash and waste and bring a container for this purpose. We have more on the ice fishing shelter page [ [link removed] ] about Minnesota’s waste law involving winter fishing. 

________________________________________________________________________



Hook-setting devices are legal for ice fishing
a hook-setting device on the ice

The DNR now allows automatic hook-setting devices to be used for ice fishing in Minnesota, a change made ahead of this ice fishing season. The DNR changed the rule [ [link removed] ] after reviewing robust public input.

For those unfamiliar, these devices are triggered automatically when a set bait is hit by a fish. They use the force of a spring device or the force of a bent fishing rod to set the hook. They are typically used with a tip-up type angling device and may reduce the number of swallowed hooks, reducing hooking mortality.

The hook-setting component of any device must be non-motorized. The device must not be capable of automatically reeling the fishing line or retrieving fish. Motorized jigging devices that are not designed to set the hook are considered legal. Remember, devices cannot be left unattended while in use and anglers must be within 200 feet of the device.

________________________________________________________________________



DNR Waterville Hatchery readies for Get Out MORE upgrades 
Waterville Hatchery tanks

"Above, upgrades to the Minnesota DNR Waterville Hatchery site are in the design phase and there will be more room for tanks in the new hatchery building. Below, a classroom inside the current Waterville Hatchery building. The new building will put an emphasis on educational areas."

Plans are in place and design is nearly complete for a new Waterville Hatchery building on the grounds of the current building. Construction on the new building, along with upgrades across the site’s facilities, is scheduled to begin summer 2026 and end summer 2027. 

“The goal of the project is to see statewide fish production needs more readily met, as capacity for fish rearing is increased,” said DNR Waterville Hatchery Lead Andrew Scholten.

Current plans call for a significantly larger hatchery to be constructed on the hillside near the small ponds. Improvements include increased water temperature control, enhanced biosecurity, more space and a more efficient floor plan, modern plumbing and electrical components, and dedicated laboratory and office space.

Among multiple measures to improve biosecurity at the facility, the improved hatchery will boast a drive-through design to make fish loading easier. An outdoor tank-fill location will enhance biosecurity by ensuring clean water and limiting the number of vehicles that enter the hatchery building. 

DNR staff will continue to raise northern pike, walleye and muskellunge, with options like recirculating tanks, which allow fish to be kept indoors year-round and raised to larger size. 

Waterville hatchery classroom

*Enhanced outreach *
Classrooms and other educational areas are included in the design improvements, as promoting a better understanding of the DNR’s aquatic resources is important for future generations.

New observation areas will also be included. These areas are intended to enhance the tour experience for all and to promote biosecurity at the hatchery.

DNR staff plans to provide tours at the hatchery in the buildup to the groundbreaking and while construction is taking place. Tours will also be offered at the new hatchery when it’s complete. 

“We hope the local community and anglers from all points will embrace this significant investment in fish production,” said Waterville Area Fisheries Supervisor Scott Mackenthun. “The DNR is investing in its hatchery system statewide with the goal of providing quality fish in a safe, efficient and secure manner.” 

Staff at the Waterville Area Fisheries Office would love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have. Reach Mackenthun at [email protected] or Scholten at [email protected].

More information about Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments is available on the DNR website [ [link removed] ].



________________________________________________________________________



DNR is looking for Fisheries interns!
a DNR Fisheries intern holding a large brown trout during a stream survey

"Gavin Bauer holds a brown trout while doing a stream survey when he was a DNR Fisheries intern in 2024. Bauer was later hired full-time as a DNR fisheries technician."

The DNR is looking for passionate and dedicated students interested in learning more about natural resource-related careers through paid summer internships. DNR summer interns gain valuable training, build meaningful experience, help serve Minnesotans and advance the DNR’s mission.

The DNR has a variety of internship opportunities throughout the state, including in fisheries, forestry, park operations, watercraft inspections, communications and more. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week and receive a competitive wage of $19 per hour. To be considered for an internship, applicants must either need to complete an internship to fulfill an academic requirement or receive academic credit for completing the internship.

To review the internship opportunities and apply, visit the State of Minnesota careers website [ [link removed] ]. Select “search for jobs” from the toolbar. In the external applicants box, select “search for jobs now” and select “view all jobs.” Filter by “Natural Resources Dept” in the agency category and “student worker & internships” in the job family category.

The DNR is accepting applications through Feb. 2. Positions will start in May and June. The DNR is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.

________________________________________________________________________



Fish highlight: burbot
angler and kid holding a burbot caught ice fishing

"“Mo and Mosley with a sunset burbot!” by Mo Vang"

An ice fishing target that talks back: the burbot! Also known as an eelpout, poor man’s lobster, and many more common names, the burbot is an unusual fish shaped like an eel. Burbot are found in most northern lakes and rivers, including Lake Superior. These fish love frigid, deep waters. We have telemetry records of burbot going as deep as 900 feet in Lake Superior!

In comparison to other fish species, they spawn very early. In late February to March, they can be seen grouping up in massive spawning balls beneath the ice.

Despite their slimy exterior, burbot are delicious when prepared properly. They’re the only freshwater cod and have a consistency similar to a lobster (hence the common name poor man’s lobster).

When caught, a burbot may bark at you. Anglers can keep up to four burbot with Minnesota’s inland waters possession limit. On Mille Lacs Lake, all burbot must be immediately released.

Learn more about this unique fish on the DNR website [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Please share your fishing photos

Do you have any fishing photos you want to share? Consider uploading them using the DNR photo uploader [ [link removed] ]. We use many of these photos in email newsletters, our webpages and other communications.

two anglers holding a lake sturgeon caught ice fishing on the St. Croix River

"“This was my personal best lake sturgeon through the ice on the St. Croix River. I caught it during a tournament too, so it ended up winning the tournament. The fish was 67 1/4 inches and was released,” "courtesy of Chet Davenport.""






Find fishing information

You can find the information you need about learning to fish, regulations, where to fish, aquatic invasive species, contacting a conservation officer and more on the DNR fishing page [ [link removed] ].







________________________________________________________________________

minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

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

Email us: [email protected]  |  Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

Follow us on Facebook [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Instagram [ [link removed] ]   Find us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on YouTube [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe from a list [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]  |  Sign up for other Minnesota DNR notifications [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}