LivewellMinnesota · Koochiching County · River
Big Fork River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Big Fork River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Minnesota also has statewide guidance
Minnesota publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 50 recommendations covering 24 species — in addition to anything listed for Big Fork River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Muskellunge — For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Big Fork River
Walleye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-24
Is it legal to keep?
These are Minnesota's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Sauger | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 54" min | 1 | 06-01 – 12-01 | Same as open |
| Largemouth Bass | — | 6 | Year-round | 05-24 – 02-25 |
| Smallmouth Bass | — | 6 | Year-round | 05-24 – 02-25 |
| Bluegill | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Lake Trout | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Minnesota — Minnesota DNR
Getting on the water
- Big Fork River, Reedy Flats Public Water Access Site canoe launch 0.4 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.8 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.