Mille Lacs Lake yellow perch limit reduced to five

New regulation takes effect on February 9, 2026 and will last through November 30, 2026.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that the daily and possession limit for yellow perch on Mille Lacs Lake will be reduced from 10 to 5, effective Monday, February 9, 2026. This regulation change will remain in place through November 30, 2026.

Why it matters

The reduction in the yellow perch limit on Mille Lacs Lake is intended to help manage the lake's perch population and ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for anglers in the region. Mille Lacs is a popular fishing destination, and changes to catch limits can significantly impact both recreational and commercial fishing activities.

The details

The Minnesota DNR cited strong perch fishing on Mille Lacs Lake this past winter, even better than the previous year, as the reason for the new limit reduction. The new regulation will lower the daily and possession limit from 10 perch to 5 perch per angler.

  • The new 5-perch limit will take effect on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The reduced limit will remain in place through November 30, 2026.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Minnesota's natural resources, including fisheries on Mille Lacs Lake.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This change to the yellow perch limit on Mille Lacs Lake reflects the DNR's efforts to carefully manage the lake's fisheries and ensure a healthy, sustainable population for the benefit of both recreational and commercial anglers in the region.