SF1551

Purpose

To adjust how many fishing lines anglers may use and to grant added line allowances in certain areas and for holders of a walleye stamp, with changes to the relevant fishing license rules.

Main provisions

• The general rule: an angler may not use more than one fishing line.
• Ice fishing exception: two lines may be used to take fish through the ice.
• Commissioner authority for area-specific rules: the commissioner may by rule authorize the use of two lines in areas designated by the commissioner in:
  • Lake Superior
  • Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls Dam
  • Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls
• Walleye stamp allowance: a person with a walleye stamp validation may use:
  • Two lines to take fish in open water
  • Four lines to take fish through the ice

How this changes existing law

• In most cases, anglers are limited to one line. The bill adds two-line allowances for ice fishing by default, and creates designated-area exceptions for two lines in specific waterways.
• The walleye stamp adds even more flexibility, allowing two lines for open-water fishing and up to four lines for ice fishing for stamp holders.
• The commissioner gains authority to designate additional two-line areas by rule (beyond the listed waterways), expanding or refining where extra lines are allowed.

Potential effects and implementation

• Anglers with a walleye stamp could fish with more lines in open water and ice, potentially increasing catch opportunities.
• Fisheries management may need to monitor fish populations as line allowances increase.
• The specific areas where two lines are allowed may be expanded or adjusted through future commissioner rules.

Definitions and key concepts

• One line (default limit) vs. two lines (ice fishing); four lines (ice fishing for walleye stamp holders)
• Open water fishing vs. ice fishing
• Walleye stamp validation
• Areas designated by the commissioner: Lake Superior, Minnesota River downstream of Granite Falls Dam, Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls

Relevant Terms - walleye stamp validation - lines / fishing lines - ice fishing - open water - Lake Superior - Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls Dam - Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls - commissioner by rule - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315 subdivision 1