This webpage is for general information only and may not have the most recent information. For the most current fish consumption guidelines, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health.

Statewide fish consumption guidelines

Statewide fish consumption guidance is based on average levels of contaminants in fish throughout Minnesota. The statewide guidelines apply to all waterbodies (lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands) in Minnesota, even those waterbodies not specifically tested for contaminants.

In addition to the statewide fish consumption guidelines, a waterbody may have more restrictive waterbody-specific guidelines for one or more fish species based upon the testing results for contaminants (mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PFOS).

Fish consumption guidance depends on:

• Where you caught the fish: For all waterbodies, you should follow the statewide guidelines. Some waterbodies may have more specific guidelines for a species of fish. Visit the MDH's Waterbody-specific and statewide fish consumption guidelines webpage for more information.
• Who you are: Different guidelines are provided for general populations (men, boys age 15+, people who are not pregnant) and for more sensitive populations (children and people who are/plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding).
• Species of fish: The MDH guidelines list the maximum number of servings per week or month a person should have of a particular fish species (purchased or Minnesota-caught). Recommended servings for a particular fish species can be found in the statewide guidelines. Additional waterbody-specific guidelines are put in place when testing indicates higher contaminants in a fish species.

Guidelines for Lakes in RPBCWD

If you plan to eat fish from lakes or other waterbodies in the watershed district, follow the statewide guidelines set by the MDH. You should also check the DNR LakeFinder to see if the lake you plan to fish in has additional waterbody-specific fish consumption guidance. Visit the MDH Waterbody-specific page for more information including guidelines for rivers and Lake Superior.

Statewide Guidelines

The Minnesota Department of Health has developed separate statewide guidelines for sensitive and general populations.

• Fish Consumption Guidelines for Sensitive Populations (people who are/may become pregnant, people who are/plan to breastfeed, and children under age 15)
• Fish Consumption Guidelines for General Populations (men, boys age 15 and over, and women not planning to become pregnant)

Waterbody-Specific Guidelines

In April 2025, MDH released a list of updates to waterbody-specific fish consumption guidance based upon data available from 2017-2022. Red Rock Lake in Eden Prairie was included in the list of updates. The Red Rock update was for general populations to limit consumption of crappie to two servings per week due to elevated levels of PFAS (PFOS). For all other fish species in Red Rock Lake, the general population should follow the statewide guidelines. Sensitive populations (women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding; children under age 15) should continue to follow the statewide guidelines for sensitive populations.

Other lakes in the district with waterbody-specific guidance for consumption of particular fish species include: Mitchell, Round, and Staring. See the table below for a summary.

Summary of rpbcwd lakes with waterbody-specific guidelines for sensitive and/or general populations

The table below is current as of May 2025. For the latest information, look up a lake on DNR LakeFinder.

If your lake within RPBCWD is not listed above, follow the statewide guidelines for fish consumption.