Also, there are two more DNR Days at the Twins coming up soon!



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minnesota department of natural resources


*Minnesota Fishing *



"Sept. 11, 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.

Today, we also remember and honor the people who were injured or killed as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We honor their families and the many who answered the call to serve. Read more [ [link removed] ] about how the DNR answered a call for help within days of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

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Looking toward fall fishing
young angler in a Vikings shirt with a large walleye he caught

"“Giant 27-inch walleye on a crappie tube fishing for crappie” courtesy of "Michael Stender""

Heading into fall, what are you fishing for? Do you like the finale of warm days, the leaves changing? Trout streams to explore, bass to chase with that favorite floating frog, or muskie to find when the bottom drops out of the thermometer? Or maybe there’s still time for a fish fry! So many options.

We are always looking for more photos to feature. Let’s see some of yours! Just send them via the DNR photo uploader [ [link removed] ]. We use many of these photos in email newsletters, our webpages and other communications.

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What to know about creel surveys
creel clerk with a clipboard

When fishing a popular boat launch or pier, you may be asked if you would like to share information about your fishing experience. These angler interviews, or creel surveys, are a key tool for collecting real-time information on how recreational fisheries are performing in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

A creel survey is voluntary and typically done by a DNR Fisheries staff member called a creel clerk. A creel clerk may ask questions like:


* where you fished
* when you started and stopped fishing
* what species you caught
* approximate size of any fish released

Some creel surveys are more detailed and may take measurements of the fish caught, count the number of boats on a lake, check fish for tags and hatchery marks, or ask about gear and target species.

Creel surveys provide valuable data to fisheries managers on the status of fish populations, catch rates, and fishing pressure. Your participation is an important part of the fisheries lake management planning process [ [link removed] ] and is a great way to share what you are seeing out on the water. Thank you to everyone who has already participated in a creel survey this year!

The more you know 

A “creel” is an old term describing a basket, often made of wicker, that anglers once used to hold their catch. Also, creel surveys are different from the mandatory enforcement checks done by DNR conservation officers.

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Today’s fry is tomorrow’s fish fry
white bass frylings in a net going into a bucket for stocking

Minnesota DNR stocked 16,000 white bass frylings in East Vadnais and Sucker lakes (8,000 each). Both lakes are located in Ramsey County.

Anglers can expect to start catching these white bass in a couple years once they’ve had some time to grow!

Check out DNR LakeFinder [ [link removed] ] for a fishing spot near you.

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DNR finalizes Rainy Lake management plan
Rainy Lake map, with the southern portion located in the U.S. shaded

The Minnesota DNR has finalized its update to the Rainy Lake Fisheries Management Plan. The plan is available on the DNR Rainy Lake webpage [ [link removed] ] and will be used to guide fishery management for the Minnesota waters of Rainy Lake through 2036.


The plan uses information from recently completed fish surveys focused on population and condition, along with extensive stakeholder input from organizational partners and members of the Rainy Lake Fisheries Input Group. Updates to the plan include revised management goals, objectives, and strategies centered on maintaining high-quality fisheries, and protecting and enhancing valuable fish habitat in Rainy Lake.

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MPCA fish consumption questionnaire
Do you live in Minnesota? Do you eat fish? Take our survey? Graphic of a fish about to eat another fish with bubbles nearby

In efforts to better protect human health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is gathering information about how much fish and shellfish people consume in Minnesota through a statewide, anonymous questionnaire.

How does understanding fish consumption protect your health?

Some contaminants in the environment may accumulate in fish and the people who eat them. The MPCA plays the important role of controlling the amount of contaminants entering our lakes and rivers. They do this by determining the levels of contaminants that protect human health. The levels are calculated for the fish you eat based on the known toxicity of contaminants, how those contaminants accumulate in fish, and how much fish people typically eat (fish consumption rate). These levels are enforced by limiting the amount of contaminants that are allowed to be discharged to waterbodies in Minnesota. The MPCA also works to restore waters where the levels are exceeded. 

The MPCA is planning to develop new levels to protect human health. In most cases the toxicity of contaminants and how they accumulate in fish is understood. To better understand the amount of exposure people have to contaminants, the MPCA needs to determine the current amount of fish consumption. To do this, they need your help by letting them know how much fish you eat and encouraging others to participate. Please use the link here [ [link removed] ] to visit and complete the questionnaire.

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DNR Days at Twins games!

The DNR and the Minnesota Twins are once again partnering on DNR Days at select games. Anyone with a 2026 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can access a ticket package that includes a special edition Twins fishing cap with a ticket purchase.

The 2026 Minnesota DNR Days partnership includes these last couple games:


* Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Cleveland Guardians, 3:10 p.m.
* Monday, Sept. 14 vs. New York Yankees, 6:40 p.m.

Find instructions for buying tickets on the Minnesota DNR Days webpage [ [link removed] ].






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] ].







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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

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