Freshwater · South Central
Lamprey
These notes are district-general defaults. Search your lake or stream first — special waters override these rules. Full booklet: 2026 Freshwater Guide. Catch reports: Fish data.
Species group
LAMPREY
Season
All year, except for closures listed under district or special regulations do not apply to lamprey fishing with methods other than hook and line
Season notes
All year, except for closures listed under district or special regulations do not apply to lamprey fishing with methods other than hook and line
Daily bag limit
No Limit
Minimum size
No Limit
Gear restrictions
Lamprey may be taken only by hand, hook and line, spear, bow and arrow fishing tackle or dip net
Identification
Adults superficially resemble eels in that they have scaleless, elongated bodies, and can range from 13 to 100 cm (5 to 40 inches) in length. Lacking paired fins, adult lampreys have large eyes, one nostril on the top of the head, and seven gill pores on each side of the head. The pharynx is subdivided; the ventral part forming a respiratory tube that is isolated from the mouth by a valve called the velum.