Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Chippewa National Forest offers excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing. The Forest's diverse landscape, from dense forests to expansive lakes, provides habitats for a variety of wildlife and fish species.
Lake and Pond Fishing
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates fishing seasons in Minnesota. The fishing season begins in mid-May for northern pike and walleye, and early June for muskellunge and bass. These seasons run until the middle of February. Trout season runs from mid-April to October and mid-January to middle of March. Trout lakes in Cass County are closed to winter fishing. You can fill a stringer with panfish year long. Fishing on the Chippewa is good throughout the summer, but usually best in late spring and fall when waters are cool.
The DNR, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Chippewa National Forest are partners in managing the fishery resource. The DNR is the lead agency for surveying, stocking, removing rough fish, renovating lakes and streams, and improving lake access in Minnesota. Management by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe includes both game and non-game species. The Band conducts lake surveys, habitat improvement projects, rough fish removal, and operates a fish hatchery which is open to the public in early spring. The Chippewa National Forest is responsible for protection and enhancement of fish habitat, shoreline protection and providing boat access, in cooperation with the DNR and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Ice Fishing
When the temperatures get cold, the ice fishing heats up on the Chippewa National Forest. The Forest is a premier Minnesota ice fishing destination with 1,300 lakes on the Forest. This includes three of Minnesota's largest lakes, Leech Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish and Cass Lake.
A line dropped into the hole in the ice and the fish pulled back through the hole, whether trying to catch pan fish, perch, walleye, or northern pike, nothing better than ice fishing on the Chippewa. On a nice day, a fisherman can brave the elements perched on a bucket on the ice or choose a warm ice house. Important tips for ice fishing are to remember no ice is 100 percent safe and be prepared with a survival plan; check with the local DNR office for information about ice thickness and safety.
River and Stream Fishing
The walleye fishing opener officially kicks off the summer season. Many fishing enthusiasts try their luck on Cut Foot, Winnie and Cass lakes, but smaller lakes are popular for sunfish and bass. Visitors can try their hand at fly fishing for pan fish or bundle up to ice fish in the winter. There are many family fishing events hosted by local community and fishing groups throughout the year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulates fishing seasons and a fishing license is required. Fishing Licenses can be purchased at local bait shops, sporting goods stores or the Minnesota DNR website.
Fishing Piers
Visitors don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing in northern Minnesota. Look for more than a dozen fishing piers located throughout the Forest. All fishing piers are handicap accessible.
- Cass Lake Wayside Rest Area on Cass Lake
- Mission Bridge on northwest side of Cass Lake
- Benjamin Lake off scenic Highway Co. 39
- Gilstad Lake off scenic highway
- Leech Lake off Highway 371/Shingobee Bay
- Kego Lake
- Leech Lake
- Boy River Crossing at Co. 8
- Clubhouse Lake Campground
- Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake off Hwy 46
- Bowstring River off Co. 35
- Lake Ranier, Edge of Wilderness Discovery Center
Hunting
It is prohibited to construct, place, or maintain any kind of structure or enclosure on National Forest System lands without authorization. Portable hunting stands that are not enclosed with walls and/or a roof and do not damage natural features are allowed from August 15 through December 31. Enclosed blinds may be used, but must be removed by the end of each day.
Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Regulations
National forest lands in Minnesota are open to the public for many uses, including camping, hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use with some restrictions. Minnesota state hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and OHV regulations apply on national forest lands, except as otherwise stated below or in national forest regulations, 36 CFR Part 261:
- It is prohibited to construct, place, or maintain any kind of structure or enclosure on National Forest System lands without authorization. Portable hunting stands that are not enclosed with walls and/or a roof and do not damage natural features are allowed from August 15 through December 31. Enclosed blinds may be used but must be removed by the end of each day.
- Portable stands and blinds left unattended on national forest lands are subject to impoundment.
- Special designation areas within national forests, such as designated wilderness areas, semi-primitive nonmotorized areas and research natural areas may have additional restrictions.
- Cross-country or off-road OHV use for any purpose is prohibited, including the use of OHVs for big game retrieval, bear baiting and trapping.
- Commercial activities such as out-fitting and guiding may not be conducted without a special-use authorization issued by the national forest.
- Cutting or damaging of trees, including the cutting of shooting lanes, is prohibited.
- Constructing, placing, or maintaining any kind of road, trail, structure, or other improvement is prohibited.
- Storing or abandoning any personal property on national forest land is prohibited.
- Discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area is not allowed on national forest land. \
- Dumping of any refuse, debris, trash, or litter on national forest lands is prohibited.
- Damaging or removing any natural/cultural feature or federal property is prohibited.
- Fire restrictions must be observed when in effect.
Hunter Walking Trails in the Chippewa National Forest
As the calendar turns to the autumn months and the leaf colors change, Chippewa National Forest visitors also don bright orange and pink hunting colors and hike the trails in search of grouse and other wild game. The Forest has six designated hunter-walking trails, and while the trails are open year-round to all, visitors should be aware that they may encounter hunters along the autumn trails.
Follow these tips to keep the season safe and enjoyable:
Be visible: Wear the regulation bright orange or pink gear during the season whether you are hunting or just out for a short hike along the trail. Make sure people can see you from September-December.
Check the weather: Before heading out on the trail, recognize that weather changes rapidly this time of year. While the day may start out sunny, weather can change quickly to sleet or snow. Always have warm gear along.
Tell a friend: Let someone know where you are hiking. Hunter Walker Trails on the Forest are well marked, but it’s always good to let someone know when you expect to be back off the trail and where you are hiking. Maps are available online or call the local District Office if you have questions about trail conditions.
Water: Despite the cooler autumn weather, it’s still important to bring water along and stay hydrated. It is a great defense against hypothermia.
Dogs: If hiking with a dog, keep it close and think about putting an orange collar or vest on the animal and even a bell on the collar to keep track of its location.
Know the regulations: If you are a hunter, make sure you look through the updated 2020 Minnesota DNR Hunting Regulations or Leech Lake Band Tribal Hunting Regulations.
The Chippewa National Forest has 298 miles of nonmotorized trails, with a few trails that pass through some of the best grouse habitat in the Forest. These trails move through small, well-distributed timber stands and openings to provide the varying-aged forest habitat on which many game animals thrive. The Chippewa National Forest has 11 hunter-walking trails that offer excellent grouse and deer hunting. Hunter walking trails are nonmotorized areas. Be Safe For maps or more information:
- Go to the Chippewas WWW at: www.fs.usda.gov/r9/chippewa
- Call any Chippewa National Forest office.
- Email: SM.FS.ChipNFpublic@usda.gov
Hunter Walking Trails:
- CARTER LAKE TRAIL:
- COUNTY ROAD 50:
- GOOSE LAKE:
- JINGO LAKE:
- JOHNSON LAKE:
- MEADOW LAKE:
- SKEETER LAKE:
- SUGAR LAKE:
- TOWER LAKE:
- WEBSTER LAKE:
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
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