Minnesota DNR Encourages Anglers to Eat Small Fish

With rising temperatures, anglers often see an increase in sunfish biting on their line.  Rather than throw them all back, the Minnesota DNR encourages you to reconsider.

According to the DNR:

Sunfish, also known as bluegills and pumpkinseeds, are a go-to species for anglers looking for a meal and many anglers may be surprised to know they’re actually encouraged to keep small ones up to the limit set by the Department of Natural Resources. These fish are nutritious and safe to eat regularly, according to consumption guidelines from the Department of Health.

When it comes to these fish, it is recommended that you keep them if they are under 7 inches and release any sunfish 9 inches or larger, which is an opposite way to think when compared to other fish.

Fish provide a healthy meal and when it comes to sunfish, statewide guidelines are one meal per week for women who are or may become pregnant and children under 15.  There are no sunfish meal limits in place for people outside of those two groups.

Click here for statewide consumption guidelines and recipes for all the fish you may catch across the Northland.