MN Now Says To Avoid Eating Fish From These Lakes And Rivers

Minnesota is known for its water-- we're the Land of 10,000 Lakes, after all-- but there is a new warning about eating fish caught in these bodies of water.

Among other things, Minnesota is known for its incredible fishing, right? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds of the North Star State are home to 162 different species of fish, 141 of which are native to Minnesota.

And with all those lakes filled with fish, it's not surprising that many of us like to get out and try our hand at reeling a few in every year. The DNR says over 1.5 million Minnesotans buy a fishing license each year, and the average angler spends 15 days fishing each year.

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Out of those 162 different kinds of fish, walleye are the most sought-after fish in Minnesota, followed by northern pike and muskie combined, panfish, bass, crappie and trout, according to the DNR.

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But now there's a new April 2025 advisory from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) about why you might NOT want to eat that fish you caught from these bodies of water in 'the Twin Cities metro as well as in Douglas, Martin, McCleod, and St. Louis Counties, and Lake Superior.' Specifically, MDH says to avoid:

All species of fish caught in the Minnesota River valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake (Hennepin County).
Bass caught in Mooney Lake (Hennepin County).
Walleye caught in George Lake (Martin County).
Yellow perch and common carp caught in Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek, and the south fork of the Crow River (McCleod and Carver counties).

Minnesota Department of Health

ALSO INTERESTING: The Most Common Lakes Names in Minnesota

In a previous release, MDH noted that the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish tissue is the main reason for this new warning. PFAS are harmful chemicals that have been widely used for decades and do not break down in the environment, the release said. They can accumulate not just in fish but also in people, and they have been linked to developmental effects in children as well as various cancers, it noted.

“For most people, fish are part of a nutritious, well-balanced diet, because they provide a good source of protein and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals,” MDH Assistant Commissioner Myra Kunas said, “but the Minnesota Department of Health encourages people to limit their intake of fish from certain waterbodies to avoid potential negative health impacts.”

You can check out more about the DNR's full guidance concerning fish consumption HERE. Of course, in addition to polluted fish, there are many other wild animals native to Minnesota that could also cause problems for you if you encounter one in the wild-- unless you can outrun them. Keep scrolling to see which ones they are!