Sturgeon Fishing and Limits in Minnesota
Introduction to Sturgeon Fishing and Limits in Minnesota
Dinosaurs of the depths, Sturgeon are a one-of-a-kind fishing experience that the folks of Northern Minnesota embrace every year. These huge fish provide a fantastic fight, sometimes called the best of freshwater fish. There are two varieties of sturgeon in Minnesota waters, the larger lake sturgeon and the smaller shovelnose sturgeon, both beautiful fish! The official Minnesota state record for largest lake sturgeon weighed in at 94 pounds 4 ounces with other fish estimated to reach well over 100 pounds!
Especially with lake sturgeon, there are more protections on these fish than most. While harvesting opportunities are generally rare, catch-and-release is an option most of the year. The details of such regulations are listed below along with some other great information on sturgeon; many water bodies have their own specific regulations. Always look into your particular body of water before getting out. Then, find your heavy tackle and get ready for the fight of your life, all possible on the fantastic collection of lakes in Northern Minnesota!
Understanding the Regulations
As a rare fish, sturgeon are subject to many protections. Many waters allow for only catch-and-release of sturgeon. Boundary waters are a different story where sturgeon tags are available for very select harvest.
Sturgeon Inland
For inland Minnesota waters, both lake and shovelnose sturgeon are available for everyone with a license to catch-and-release from June 16th until the following April 14th. These dates are the same every year. The off season, from mid April until mid June, coincides with the spawning season for sturgeon to help reduce excess stress on breeding fish.
Instances Where Harvest is Allowed
In border waters, you can apply for a sturgeon endorsement. Depending on what border, the regulations may change, so always check before going! The Canada-Minnesota border, for example, provides an endorsement opportunity where an angler may take 1 lake sturgeon per calendar year. Possession is not allowed without this endorsement. Said sturgeon must be registered within 48 hours of catch. Sturgeon must be transported fully intact. Endorsements are not transferable.
Size-wise, with an endorsement, sturgeon can be harvested in specific border waters from April 24-May 7 if the fish is 45-50” inclusive or over 75”. Then again from July 1 to September 30 under the same length conditions (fish is 45-50” inclusive or over 75”). This means that sturgeon under 45” and over 50” must be returned. Only fish between 45-50” and over 75” can be harvested. Only 1 harvest per calendar year! Catch-and-release is available on these same waters during most periods of the year.
Size Restrictions and Why They Matter
Size restrictions are important to the overall health of a fish population. Size restrictions will vary from fish to fish, but the goal is to save the best breeders of the population to create/maintain healthy populations. This explains why many smaller sturgeon, and even some larger sturgeon, are protected in Minnesota waters! Having large-spanning catch-and-release seasons is also great for the health of sturgeon populations.
H3 – Size Restrictions and Why They Matter
Size restrictions are important to the overall health of a fish population. Size restrictions will vary from fish to fish, but the goal is to save the best breeders of the population to create/maintain healthy populations. This explains why many smaller sturgeon, and even some larger sturgeon, are protected in Minnesota waters! Having large-spanning catch-and-release seasons is also great for the health of sturgeon populations.
Where to Fish for Sturgeon in Minnesota
With a fantastic array of lakes scattered across the landscape, usually interconnected, there are many great fishing opportunities across Northern Minnesota. Again, always be sure to check in with your specific body of water for the specific regulations that will apply to you on the water. Here are a few bodies of water that stick out for their sturgeon fishing:
Crane Lake
The ever so scenic and expansive Crane Lake makes for a fantastic fishing outing for a variety of species, with sturgeon being no exception. Crane Lake is regulated as inland water and as such allows for only catch-and-release sturgeon fishing from June 16th until the following April 14th. Still, Crane Lake provides an incredible opportunity to potentially hook one of these beasts!
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States! Its connection with numerous other bodies of water creates an environment filled with a variety of cool fish species and large individuals. Lake of the Woods is border water with Canada, which means it has rare opportunities to harvest a sturgeon. A sturgeon endorsement can be obtained through the state that allows for one sturgeon per calendar year.
Said sturgeon must be harvested between April 24-May 7 or from July 1 to September 30. Sturgeon under 45” and over 50” must be returned. Only fish between 45-50” and over 75” can be harvested. Only 1 harvest per calendar year! Catch-and-release is available on this same water for the entire year besides a closed season from May 16 to June 30.
Rainy River
The Rainy River is another fantastic opportunity to fish in Northern Minnesota, connected to the above famed Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River spans for 85 miles and serves as the border between Canada and the United States! Known as “The Walleye Capital”, the Rainy River is also known for gigantic lake sturgeon. Being another example of Canada border water, the Rainy River has the same regulations listed above for the Lake of the Woods.
Crane Lake – Fishing Report
Fishing is one of the ultimate outdoor experiences at Crane Lake! With so many factors at play, finding a fish report can provide the perfect context to help you hone in on whatever fish species gets you going.
Best Practices for Sustainable Fishing
While harvesting fish can be extremely rewarding and delicious, keeping everything is not practical for the fish populations. To keep ecosystems healthy for us to continue to enjoy, here are some sustainability practices for fishing:
Catch and Release Techniques
Whether you set out to catch a sturgeon or hook into one on accident, most instances of sturgeon fishing are catch-and-release. For the health of the fish, it’s best if this process of release is as fast as possible. Especially with such a large size, lifting sturgeon out of the water may not be advised. Keeping fish in the water is much better anyways during the release process. Quick photos are easy to squeeze in without excessive time for the fish out of water.
How to Handle Sturgeon for Release
When handling a sturgeon, be sure to avoid touching its eyes or gills. Don’t hold a sturgeon vertically, instead support their body horizontally with both your arms. Be sure to measure and photograph (if you want) quickly before releasing them on their way for others to catch and for more sturgeon to be produced!
Legal Considerations
As mentioned, sturgeon are a protected species and have stricter regulations than other fish. These regulations have done wonders for helping a previous dwindling sturgeon population. Here is an overview of the legal aspect of fishing sturgeon in Minnesota:
Penalties for Overfishing
Sturgeon, being such a protected species, carry a larger penalty than most other fish species for infractions. For example, possessing a lake sturgeon without a proper tag can result in fines up to $375. Penalties range up from there, including potential jail time for a “gross over limit violation.”
How to Report Poaching
If you see something, say something about poaching. Especially for sturgeon, a rare and vulnerable species, you can report to the Minnesota Turn In Poachers Hotline number at 1-800-652-9093. All tips are taken anonymously. It’s recommended not to confront a poacher, but rather report as much information as possible including location, infractions, description of person, and any other potentially pertinent details.
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
Conclusion
Sturgeon fishing in Northern Minnesota is truly an unforgettable experience. A once dying breed, lake sturgeon have seen a recent resurgence in Minnesota waters due to conservation efforts and the regulations we see with very limited harvest. These regulations are a large reason why we still have the opportunity to fight and land these dinosaurs of the deep and appreciate truly amazing fishing. Stop waiting, get your rod/tackle, and get up to Minnesota today to try your luck at a truly fantastic sturgeon encounter!
FAQs
Fishing regulations in Minnesota change by the lake or species to help protect the local fishery. With an idea of the amount of fish in a given lake and their average sizes, regulations are formed to help create a healthy population.
Especially with sturgeon, releasing the fish as quickly as possible is required for the survival of the fish. Since you cannot keep, getting the sturgeon off your line as soon as possible is needed.
Yes! Sturgeon move around through the interconnected waterways of Northern Minnesota including Crane Lake.
Size restrictions for sturgeon are strict within Minnesota. Should you have a tag/endorsement to keep, the exact size restrictions are laid out.
Within Minnesota, there is no daily limit for sturgeon; these fish are catch and release only. There are rare, special sturgeon tag/endorsements needed to harvest in select waters.
