HF2661

Purpose

• Update fishing line limits in Minnesota waters to allow more lines in specific areas, expanding beyond the current single-line rule in some places. The change aims to provide more fishing flexibility while keeping a single-line rule in place elsewhere, with the details set by future rulemaking.

Main Provisions

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315 subdivision 1 (Lines).
• Keeps the general rule that an angler may not use more than one line.
• Adds an exception for ice fishing: two lines may be used to take fish through the ice.
• Gives the commissioner authority to by rule authorize two lines in designated areas.
• Specifies allowed line limits by water body:
  • Lake Superior: two lines may be used (by rule).
  • Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls Dam: two lines may be used.
  • Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls: two lines may be used.
  • Mississippi River and St. Croix River: three lines may be used.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the allowable number of fishing lines in several waterways, moving from a strict single-line limit to more flexible limits in targeted areas.
• Creates or strengthens the commissioner’s rulemaking authority to designate additional areas where two lines may be used.
• Establishes a tiered system of line limits (one line generally, two lines in several areas, and three lines in the Mississippi River and St. Croix River).

Practical Implications

• Anglers could fish with more lines in the specified rivers and Lake Superior, potentially increasing catch opportunities.
• Regulators and law enforcement will need to monitor and enforce the new area-specific rules and any future rule designations.
• Could affect fish harvest, angling pressure, and river management where the limits are increased.

Terminology and Concepts (Key terms drawn from the bill)

• lines
• angler
• ice fishing
• two lines
• three lines
• one line
• commissioner
• rule
• designated areas
• Lake Superior
• Minnesota River
• Granite Falls Dam
• Mississippi River
• St. Anthony Falls
• St. Croix River
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315 subdivision 1

Relevant Terms - lines - angler - ice fishing - two lines - three lines - one line - commissioner - rule - designated areas - Lake Superior - Minnesota River - Granite Falls Dam - Mississippi River - St. Anthony Falls - St. Croix River - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315 subdivision 1