Just want to make sure I have my bases covered for trout fishing.

[Portlis]

Long story short, I'll be up on the north shore of Superior this coming weekend and I'm thinking about giving a few trout lakes a shot (not Superior). I've literally never even considered fishing for them until now though, so I'm a complete rookie as far as understanding the laws.

I've done my research, but I just want to be absolutely sure before I head up. So, if you wouldn't mind answering just a couple questions, I'd really appreciate it!

1. I understand you can only use one rod on designated trout lakes. I have no clue how to know whether a lake is a "trout lake" though. Where can I find this out?

2. I have a lifetime MN resident angling license, but as I understand it, I still need a trout stamp, correct?

3. My buddy who is fishing with me has NEVER gone ice fishing before in his life. I think he's going to buy a 72 hour license for the weekend, and as I understand it, he does NOT need a trout stamp with that particular license, yes?

4. As far as limits are concerned, the regulations seem a bit vague. I'm not even certain that I'm going to keep any fish, but just to be sure in case we do, all "stream trout" seem to be lumped together? Rainbows, Brook, Brown and Splake? And out of that grouping, the limit is 5 total (combined) of any or all of those species with not more than 3 over 16"?

5. No live minnows, that seems pretty clear.

We won't be in the BWCA, so it doesn't appear that any of those specific laws apply. Anything else I'm missing or does it seem like I'm good to go here? Thanks!

[monstermoose78]

If you know the lakes you are planning on fishing you can use the DNR Lake finder and under the fishery status is tells you if it is a designated trout lake. That is the report they write up about the lake. Yes all stream trout in lakes are grouped together. Good Luck

[brad119]

Sounds like you read your regs book. Everything you list is correct. Keep in mind the 1 rod limit is on designated stream trout lakes. If you fish lake trout, you may or may not be on a designated stream trout lake. Often times for lakers, you are not, so you can fish with two lines. Limit on lakers is 2. If you're not on a designated trout lake, you may be able to use live minnows. Like was mentioned, check out the DNR HSOforum for all this info and the lakefinder page to check various lakes you're planning to visit.

Good luck to you.

[traveler]

a lot of the lakes up there are really slushy this year, be prepared for that.