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Rum River

Boat Ramps
23
Access Points
24
Species
26

The Rum River is a significant waterway in Minnesota, flowing approximately 150 miles from Mille Lacs Lake in central Minnesota to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Anoka. Designated as a Wild, Scenic, and Recreational State Water Trail, the Rum River offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With diverse fish populations including walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, the river provides varied angling experiences across its length. The Rum River's character changes throughout its course - from narrow, rocky, and shallow waters in the northern sections to wider, deeper stretches as it approaches the Mississippi. This medium-sized, warm-water stream features wooded shorelines and a relatively natural setting, making it not only a productive fishery but also a scenic destination for recreational anglers.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Rum River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Rum River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Rum River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Rum River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Rum River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Rum River and check the forecast before you go.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT US HWY 169 AT CHAMPLIN, MN

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Rum River fishing guides

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