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🐟 Northern Pike

Northern Pike Regulations — Minnesota 2026

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Always verify before fishing
Quick Reference — Minnesota Northern Pike
Minimum Size
24 inches
Slot: Some waters have slot limits protecting large fish
Daily Bag Limit
3 per day
Possession: 6
Season
Year-round on most waters
Slot Limit
⚠ Slot limit in effect: Some waters have slot limits protecting large fish
Special Rules & Notes
Boundary waters with Canada have different regulations. Some lakes have slot limits. Gull Lake and other management lakes have special rules.
Popular Minnesota Waters
  • Lake of the Woods
  • Rainy Lake
  • Leech Lake
  • Lake Vermilion
Tips for Minnesota Northern Pike Fishing
Northern Minnesota's border waters produce trophy northern pike, often exceeding 20 pounds.
Early season (May–June) when water is cool offers the best action on large pike.
Common Questions
The statewide minimum length is 24 inches with a daily bag limit of 3 pike. Some waters have slot limits or special regulations.
The border waters near Canada — Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake, and boundary water lakes in the BWCAW — produce the largest northern pike in Minnesota.
Related Regulations
🐟 Northern Pike
Wisconsin
26 inches (Class A waters), 24 inches (Class B) · 5 per day
🐟 Walleye
Minnesota
15 inches (statewide) · 6 per day
Important: Fishing regulations change annually. This page reflects regulations for 2026 but always verify current rules with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before fishing. Some waters have special regulations that differ from the statewide rules.