From the MN DNR - May 8, 2018

Anglers planning to fish for northern pike when the season opens Saturday, May 12, are reminded that new regulations for catching and keeping northern pike will be the most significant change they’ll find in the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Regulations Booklet. 

“We’re gearing up for fishing opener and that’s a great time to get a refresher on Minnesota fishing regulations, especially the zone regulations for anyone who wants to catch and keep pike,” said Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The pike regulations apply only to inland waters and have three distinct zones to address the different characteristics of pike populations in Minnesota.

• North-central: Limit of 10 northern pike, but not more than two pike longer than 26 inches; all from 22 to 26 inches must be released.
• Northeast: Two pike; anglers must release all from 30 to 40 inches, with only one over 40 inches allowed in possession.
• South: Two fish; minimum size 24 inches.

Throughout the state, special regulations that cover individual lakes, rivers and streams remain in effect and take precedence over the zone regulations.

For more information on the zone regulations visit mndnr.gov/pike or contact a local area fisheries office. Contact information can be found in the fishing regulations booklet, available online at mndnr.gov/regulations/fishing.