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LIMITS & LAWS

on Lake of the Woods

EXOTIC PLANTS & ANIMALS

Minnesota waters are threatened by several species of exotic plants and animals that can be unknowingly spread by water users. It is illegal to transport some of these species, such as Eurasion watermilfoil, zebra mussels, and ruffe, on public roads or to launch a boat or trailer with these species attached.

  • Remove any visible plants and animals from your boat, trailer, and other boating equipment before leaving any water body.
  • Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge and transom wells at the ramp or access before leaving any water body.
  • Empty your bait bucket on land before leaving any water body. Never release live bait into a water body, or release aquatic animals from one water body to another.
  • Wash and dry your boat and other boating equipment to kill harmful exotic animal species that were not visible at the boat launch. Before transporting to another water body, either rinse your boat with hot tap water, spray your boat with high-pressure water, or dry your boat and equipment for five days.

POSSESSIONS & LIMITS

The following are general Minnesota border water regulations regarding fish limits, possessions and keeper sizes. The following regulation information has been provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

LAKE OF THE WOODS – WALLEYE OPENER THROUGH NOVEMBER 30

  • Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye).
  • Walleye and sauger between 19.5 – 28 inches must be immediately released.
  • Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed.

LAKE OF THE WOODS – DECEMBER 1 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH

  • Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye).
  • Walleye and sauger between 19.5 – 28 inches must be immediately released.
  • Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed.

LAKE OF THE WOODS – MARCH 1 THROUGH APRIL 14TH

  • Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye).
  • Walleye and sauger between 19.5 – 28 inches must be immediately released.
  • Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed.

FOUR MILE BAY OF LAKE OF THE WOODS – MARCH 1 THROUGH APRIL 14

  • Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time
    period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to
    the water immediately.

RAINY RIVER – WALLEYE OPENER THROUGH LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY

  • Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye).
  • Walleye and sauger between 19.5 – 28 inches must be immediately released.
  • Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed.

RAINY RIVER – MARCH 1 THROUGH APRIL 14

  • Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time
    period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to
    the water immediately.

NORTHERN PIKE

The possession limit for northern pike is 3. Only one northern pike may exceed 40 inches and all northern pike from 30 to 40 inches must immediately be released. The season for northern pike on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is continuous.