Minnesotans & Lake Fish – What You Need to Know Before You Eat

First of all, I'd like to be honest and say that I don't eat fish.  Of course there are exceptions, but really I don't eat fish.  Not even when people say "Not even Walleye" or "But this fish fry is so good!  You should really have some". Or, the awesome "It doesn't even taste like fish".  If there were true, maybe you should rethink your cooking habits.  Too much breading??  I just don't like it.

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But - if you are someone who loves to eat fish, whether it's seafood or fish from some of our local lakes, there are things that you do need to watch out for.  The MN Department of Health has put out a chart where you can look and see if a particular fish is safe to eat, or at the amount of fish per week.  There are a lot of people who like to eat fish for some protein and also the healthy fats that you get from eating water food.

RELATED: It’s Prime Time For Catching Yellow Perch In Our Lakes

WHAT FISH IS OK TO EAT - THERE ARE LIMITATIONS

Most fish are healthy to eat. Fish are a great way to get protein and good fats, but any fish (store-bought or locally-caught) could have contaminants such as mercury that can harm human health – especially children and fetuses.

FISH TO EAT UP TO 4 SERVINGS A WEEK

These are safe to eat up to 4 times a week, unless you are pregnant, limit to only once per week.

• Bullheads (seriously, people eat these?)
• Cisco (lake herring)
• Crappie
• Inland Stream Trout
• Lake Whitefish
• Sunfish
• Yellow Perch

SERVINGS OF ONLY ONCE PER WEEK

• Catfish - if pregnant, only once per month (same for all below)
• Bass
• Lake Trout
• Northern Pike
• Walleye

Basically, with keeping these guidlines in mind, the DNR says that it's mostly ok.  As long as you consult your Dr. and just use good common sense.  The website does have this statement.

Eat fish - Benefits outweigh risks if you follow the SafeEating Guidelines. • Spread out fish meals over time - contaminants take time to leave your body. • Check Waterbody Specific Safe-Eating Guidelines.

Happy Fishing!