LivewellMinnesota · Pope County · Lake
Lake Minnewaska
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Lake Minnewaska, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
4 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Minnesota also has statewide guidance
Minnesota publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 50 recommendations covering 24 species — in addition to anything listed for Lake Minnewaska 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 Lake Minnewaska
Black Bullhead
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to four meals per week. |
| Children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant | For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-23
Brown Bullhead
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to four meals per week. |
| Children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant | For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-23
Yellow Bullhead
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to four meals per week. |
| Children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant | For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-23
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant | For children under 15 and people who are or may become pregnant: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-23
Is it legal to keep?
These rules are specific to Lake Minnewaska. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Pumpkinseed | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Green Sunfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Minnesota — Minnesota DNR
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.7 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.