Daily limit
5 stream trout combined
Season
Apr. 11 – Sept. 30, 2026
Max 1 over 16 in.
Size ruleOnly 1 may be over 16 inches
MN · Trout (stream trout and lake trout)
Minnesota splits trout rules by water type. Streams open for harvest April 11 with a five-fish combined limit (one over 16 inches); in the southeast corner, catch-and-release periods and a fall closure apply. Stream-trout lakes and lake trout have separate summer and winter dates, and a trout/salmon stamp is required in most trout water.
Verified 2026-10-23Limits at a glance
Regulation period: March 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027.
Daily limit
5 stream trout combined
Season
Apr. 11 – Sept. 14, 2026
Max 1 over 16 in.
Size ruleOnly 1 may be over 16 inchesCatch-and-release only Jan. 1 – Apr. 10 and Sept. 15 – Oct. 15; closed to fishing Oct. 16 – Dec. 31.
Daily limit
5 stream trout combined
Season
May 9 – Oct. 31, 2026
Max 3 over 16 in.
Size ruleNo more than 3 over 16 inches
Daily limit
2 fish
Season
May 9 – Sept. 30, 2026
Size ruleNo size rule printed in this table
Watch for
- A Minnesota trout/salmon stamp ($10) is needed to fish designated trout waters or to possess trout, with limited exceptions.
- Lake Superior and its tributaries, and winter seasons, have separate tables (booklet pp. 33–36).
- Stream trout may only be transported with head, tail, fins and skin intact.
Quick answers
What is the daily limit for trout (stream trout and lake trout) in Minnesota?
Designated trout streams, statewide except the listed southeast area: 5 stream trout combined. Size rule: Only 1 may be over 16 inches. Other waters and date windows have different rules; see the table. Verify with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Which regulations do these Minnesota figures come from?
March 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027, as published by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Last verified 2026-10-23.
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