Minnesota · Lake Of The Woods County · River

Rainy River

Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Rainy River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.

2 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 Rainy 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.

See all Minnesota statewide guidance →

What's safe to eat from Rainy River

Black Crappie

Mercury

SizeWhoGuidance
All sizes General population Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury.

Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-24

White Crappie

Mercury

SizeWhoGuidance
All sizes General population Limit to two meals per week 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.

SpeciesSizeDaily limitOpen seasonKeep 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

Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.

About this water

State
Minnesota
County
Lake Of The Woods
Type
River
Location
48.8486, -94.6916
Advisory source
Minnesota Department of Health — Fish Consumption Guidelines