Photo: Matthew McBrayer on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 8, 2025

As Minnesota anglers prepare for this weekend's fishing opener, recent updates from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have introduced revised fish consumption guidelines. These guidelines primarily address human health-related concerns due to increased per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in fish across Minnesota lakes, rivers, and streams. 

PFAS are a family of many different factory-made chemicals primarily used for their water and grease-repelling abilities. The most commonly studied ones are PFOA and PFOS. PFAS do not easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in animals and people over time, potentially leading to health issues, particularly in developing individuals. Pregnancy, infancy, and childhood (kids under 15) are especially sensitive stages for PFAS exposure. According to the MDH, "The most consistently observed and strongest evidence for harmful impacts on human health is for immune suppression such as decreased vaccination response, changes in liver function such as higher cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes, and lower birth weight. In addition, lifetime exposure to PFOA has also been associated with kidney cancer." 

Recent consumption guideline updates

Regarding Lake Superior, the consumption guidelines for rainbow smelt have changed. Previously, the limit was one serving per month; however, due to an updated review of PFAS data, the new recommendation of up to one serving per week is now considered safe.

In other parts of the state, due to elevated PFAS contamination levels, the MDH now advises against consuming any fish species from Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake in Hennepin County, bass caught in Mooney Lake (Hennepin County), and walleye from George Lake in Martin County. 

Fish consumption guideline resources 

One resource comes from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)'s Lakefinder website, which provides specific fish consumption guidelines for numerous Minnesota lakes. 

For rivers and Lake Superior-specific related data, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website here.

For more information about fish consumption guidelines, visit the MDH website here.