Waterbody-specific and Statewide Fish Consumption Guidelines

Updated: April 2025

Follow these guidelines to lower your exposure to contaminants in fish, and still get the benefits of eating fish:

1. Check the Waterbody-Specific Fish Consumption Guidelines to see if there are more restrictive guidelines for fish species caught in Minnesota lakes and rivers.
2. Check the Statewide Fish Consumption Guidelines for general guidelines for fish from Minnesota waters or the store/restaurant.

Waterbody-specific Fish Consumption Guidelines

Waterbody-specific guidelines provide advice for lakes, rivers, and Lake Superior where fish have been tested for contaminants and have higher concentrations in one or more species of fish. Not all waterbodies in Minnesota have been tested for contaminants in fish.

Lakes

• Department of Natural Resources Lakefinder

Rivers

• Waterbody-specific Fish Consumption Guidelines: Rivers (PDF)

Lake Superior

• People Who Are or May Become Pregnant, People Who Are Breastfeeding or Plan to Breastfeed, and Children Under Age 15, Lake Superior (PDF)
• Men, Boys Age 15 and Over, and People Not Planning to be Pregnant, Lake Superior (PDF)

Statewide fish consumption guidelines

Statewide fish consumption guidelines are based on average mercury, PFOS, and PCB levels measured in fish throughout Minnesota; these guidelines provide information for most waterbodies, even those not tested for contaminants. They provide information for sensitive populations and on levels of mercury found in to include commercial fish low in mercury and high in fatty acids into their diet. 

• People who are or May Become Pregnant, People Who are Breastfeeding or Plan to Breastfeed, and Children Under Age 15.(PDF)
• Men, Boys Age 15 and Over, and Women Not Planning to Become Pregnant (PDF)