Minnesota DNR Announces 2026 Upper Red Lake Fishing Regulations

Anglers can keep up to 5 walleyes, with only 1 over 17 inches, to maintain healthy populations.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake in 2026. Anglers will be allowed to keep up to 5 walleyes, but only 1 can be longer than 17 inches. This regulation remains unchanged from 2025 and aims to balance the young and spawning walleye populations in the lake.

Why it matters

Maintaining a healthy walleye population in Upper Red Lake is crucial for the ecosystem and future fishing opportunities. The DNR works closely with the Red Lake Nation to manage the walleye harvest and prevent overfishing, ensuring a sustainable fishery for years to come.

The details

The 2026 open-water fishing season on Upper Red Lake begins on Saturday, May 9. The DNR's regulation allows anglers to possess up to 5 walleyes, but only 1 can be longer than 17 inches. This is an unchanged regulation from 2025, as the DNR and Red Lake Nation continue to collaborate on a joint harvest plan to keep the walleye population balanced and abundant.

  • The 2026 open-water fishing season on Upper Red Lake begins on Saturday, May 9.
  • The current fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake were revised in 2015 and again in 2025.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency responsible for managing Minnesota's natural resources, including the fisheries in Upper Red Lake.

Red Lake Nation

The Native American tribe that co-manages the walleye population and fishing regulations in Upper Red Lake with the Minnesota DNR.

Upper Red Lake Citizen Advisory Committee

A group that reviews harvest totals and regulation options, providing recommendations to help shape fishing regulations for state waters in Upper Red Lake.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Winter harvest regulations for 2026-27 will be decided after the summer fishing season and fall assessments.

The takeaway

The collaborative efforts between the Minnesota DNR and Red Lake Nation to manage the walleye population in Upper Red Lake have resulted in a sustainable fishing regulation that balances the needs of the ecosystem and the local community's fishing interests.