Minnesota Legislature
Office of the Revisor of Statutes
Minnesota Administrative Rules
CHAPTER 6266, BOUNDARY WATERS FISHING REGULATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
| Part | Title |
|---|---|
| 6266.0100 | GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR TAKING FISH ON BOUNDARY WATERS WITH ADJACENT STATES. |
| 6266.0200 | TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-IOWA BOUNDARY WATERS. |
| 6266.0300 | TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA BOUNDARY WATERS. |
| 6266.0400 | TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-SOUTH DAKOTA BOUNDARY WATERS. |
| 6266.0500 | TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BOUNDARY WATERS. |
| 6266.0600 | MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BOUNDARY WATERS COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS. |
| 6266.0700 | TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-CANADA BOUNDARY WATERS. |
6266.0100 GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR TAKING FISH ON BOUNDARY WATERS WITH ADJACENT STATES.
Subpart 1.
License requirements on boundary waters.
Residents may fish adjacent states' boundary waters listed in parts 6266.0200, subpart 1; 6266.0300, subpart 1; 6266.0400, subpart 1; and 6266.0500, subpart 1, only if in possession of a valid resident angling license or otherwise authorized to angle in this state. Residents of an adjacent state may fish the boundary waters only if in possession of a valid resident angling license of that state or otherwise lawfully authorized to angle in that state. Residents of nonadjacent states and foreign countries may fish the boundary waters only if in possession of a valid nonresident angling license issued by this state or the adjacent state or otherwise authorized to angle in this state or the adjacent state.
Subp. 2.
Possession limits on boundary waters.
A.
Licensed anglers, or those exempt from licensing, may possess only one limit of fish while on the adjacent state's boundary waters listed in parts 6266.0200, subpart 1; 6266.0300, subpart 1; 6266.0400, subpart 1; and 6266.0500, subpart 1, regardless of the number of licenses held.
B.
Where regulations differ between this state and an adjacent state on such boundary waters, the exercise of the more liberal regulations is limited to persons licensed by the more liberal state and confined to the territorial waters of the more liberal state.
C.
Fish that are taken by angling on Minnesota boundary waters with North Dakota and on that portion of the Bois de Sioux River from the White Rock Dam to the North Dakota border and not immediately released or returned to the water as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.015, subdivision 26c, are considered to be in possession and part of the bag limit. No culling or live well sorting (the act of replacing one fish with another one) is allowed. Fish may not be released after being reduced to possession, except that an angler may release fish to the same water body where the fish were taken when the angler is done fishing for that day and before the angler leaves the water body.
History:
18 SR 83; 19 SR 2222; 20 SR 2287; 22 SR 292; 28 SR 629; 32 SR 1039; 39 SR 822; 41 SR 644
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0200 TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-IOWA BOUNDARY WATERS.
Subpart 1.
Specified waters.
The provisions of this part apply to all parts of the following named Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters:
Subp. 2.
Species, seasons, and limits on Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters.
The following applies to the species, seasons, and limits for taking fish on Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters:
| Species | Open Season | Daily and Possession Limit | |
| A. | Walleye | Continuous | 3 |
| B. | Northern pike | Continuous | 3 |
| C. | Sunfish and crappie in aggregate | No closed season | 25 |
| Sunfish under this item are the following species: bluegill, pumpkinseed, green, orangespotted, longear, warmouth, and their hybrids. | |||
| D. | Yellow and white bass in aggregate | No closed season | No limit |
| E. | Catfish in aggregate | 8 | |
| Channel catfish | Continuous | ||
| Flathead catfish | April 1 through November 30 | ||
| F. | Small and large mouth bass | Continuous | 3 |
| G. | Perch | No closed season | 25 |
| H. | Bullhead, carp, sucker, redhorse, sheepshead, buffalo, burbot, bowfin, gar, and quillback | No closed season | No limits |
| I. | Muskie | May 21 through November 30 | 1, with a 40-inch minimum size |
When the closing date falls on a Saturday, the season extends through the following Sunday.
Subp. 3.
Using set lines.
The taking of fish by means of a set line is prohibited on Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters.
Subp. 4.
Spearing restrictions.
The taking of fish by spearing is prohibited on Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters, except that carp, buffalo, sheepshead, bowfin, gar, and quillback may be taken by spearing and possessed without limit.
Subp. 5.
Number of lines allowed.
A person may not angle with more than two lines, or more than two poles with one line attached to each pole, or use more than two hooks on each line while on Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters.
Subp. 6.
Shelter house deadline.
A person may not permit a shelter house to remain on the ice of Minnesota-Iowa boundary waters after February 20.
Subp. 7.
Taking minnows exempted.
This part does not apply to the taking of minnows which are governed by the laws and rules of the state in which the minnows are taken.
Statutory Authority:
History:
18 SR 83; 37 SR 1664; 39 SR 822
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0300 TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA BOUNDARY WATERS.
Subpart 1.
Specified waters.
The provisions of this part apply to all parts of the following named Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters:
Subp. 2.
Species, seasons, and limits on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters.
The following applies to the species, seasons, and limits for taking fish on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters:
| Species | Open Season | Daily and Possession Limits | |
| A. | Walleye and sauger | Continuous. | 3 in aggregate. |
| B. | Northern pike | Continuous. | 3 |
| C. | Small and large mouth bass | Continuous. | 3 in aggregate. |
| D. | Crappie | Continuous. | 30 |
| E. | Sunfish and bluegill | Continuous. | 30 |
| F. | Rock bass | Continuous. | 20 |
| G. | Bullhead | Continuous. | 100 |
| H. | Perch | Continuous. | 50 |
| I. | Catfish | Continuous. | 5, with only 1 over 24 inches in length. |
| J. | Sturgeon | June 16 through April 14 for catch and release only. Closed April 15 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | -0- |
| K. | Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, sucker, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, gar, and white (striped) bass | Continuous. | No limit. |
| L. | Muskellunge | Continuous. | 1; 50-inch minimum size limit. |
Subp. 3.
Spearing restrictions.
The taking of fish by spearing is prohibited on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters, except that carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, and gar may be taken by spearing from May 1 through December 31 between sunrise and sunset each day. There is no possession limit on the listed species of fish. A person may not have in possession on or near the water or ice of Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters a spear at any time, except during the open season for spearing. Possession includes personal possession and possession in a vehicle.
Subp. 4.
Shelter house deadline.
A person may not permit a shelter house to remain on the ice of Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters after March 5. Portable shelters may be used after March 5 by persons actively engaged in angling, but must be removed daily when not in use.
Subp. 5.
Using set lines.
The taking of fish by means of a set or unattended line is prohibited on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters.
Subp. 6.
Number of lines allowed.
A person may not angle with more than two lines or more than two hooks on each line on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters.
Subp. 7.
Taking minnows exempted.
This part does not apply to the taking of minnows. The taking of minnows is governed by the laws and rules of the state in which the minnows are taken.
Subp. 8.
Dark house spearing.
Taking fish by spearing from or within a dark house is allowed on Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters according to items A to E.
A.
Spearing season is from November 15 to the last Sunday in February, inclusive, between sunrise and sunset.
B.
Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, and gar may be taken with a spear and possessed without limit.
D.
A person may not have a spear in possession on or near the water or ice of Minnesota-North Dakota boundary waters at any time, except during the open season for spearing.
History:
18 SR 83; 19 SR 2222; 20 SR 2287; 24 SR 1849; 32 SR 1039; 37 SR 1664; 39 SR 822
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0400 TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-SOUTH DAKOTA BOUNDARY WATERS.
Subpart 1.
Specified waters.
The provisions of this part apply to all parts of the following named Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters:
Subp. 2.
Species, seasons, and limits on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters.
The following applies to the species, seasons, and limits for taking fish on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters:
| Species | Open Season | Daily and Possession Limits | |
| A. | Walleye and sauger | Saturday closest to April 21 through last day in February. | 4; with only one walleye over 20 inches. |
| B. | Northern pike | Saturday closest to April 21 through last day in February. | 6 |
| C. | Small and large mouth bass | Saturday closest to April 21 through last day in February. | 6 |
| D. | Crappie | Continuous. | 10 |
| E. | Sunfish and bluegill | Continuous. | 10 |
| F. | Rock bass | Continuous. | 20 |
| G. | Bullhead | Continuous. | 100 |
| H. | Perch | Continuous. | 15 daily, 30 in possession. |
| I. | Catfish in aggregate | 5 with only 1 over 24 inches. | |
| Channel catfish | Continuous. | ||
| Flathead catfish | April 1 through November 30. | ||
| J. | Sturgeon | June 16 through April 14 for catch and release only. Closed April 15 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | 0 |
| K. | Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, sucker, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, gar, and white (striped) bass | Continuous. | No limits. |
When the closing falls on a Saturday, the season extends through the following Sunday.
Subp. 3.
Spearing restrictions.
The taking of fish by spearing is prohibited on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters, except that carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, and gar may be taken by spearing and possessed without limit from May 1 through the last day in February between sunrise and sunset each day. When the closing day falls on a Saturday, the season extends through March 1. A person may not have a spear in possession on or near the water or ice of Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters at any time, except during the open season for spearing. Possession includes personal possession and possession in a vehicle.
Subp. 4.
Restricted equipment.
A person may not have in possession on or near the water or ice of Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters a spear or spring gaff at any time, except during the open season for spearing.
Subp. 5.
Dark house spearing.
Taking fish by spearing from or within a dark house is allowed on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters according to items A to F.
A.
Spearing season is November 15 to the last Sunday in February, inclusive, between sunrise and sunset.
B.
Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, burbot, and gar may be taken by spearing and possessed without limit.
D.
Catfish may be taken by spear, except on Bois De Sioux River from the White Rock Dam to the North Dakota border. The possession limit is five. Only one fish may be over 24 inches.
E.
A person may not have a spear in possession on or near the water or ice of Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters at any time, except during the open season for spearing.
Subp. 6.
Shelter house deadline.
A person may not permit a shelter house to remain on the ice of Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters after March 5.
Subp. 7.
Using set lines.
The taking of fish by means of a set line is prohibited on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters.
Subp. 8.
Number of lines allowed.
A person may not angle with more than two lines or have more than three hooks on each line on Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters.
Subp. 10.
Taking minnows exempted.
This part does not apply to the taking of minnows, which are governed by the laws and regulations of the state in which the minnows are taken.
Subp. 11.
Commercial fishing.
Only the following species may be taken by commercial fishing operations from Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters: carp, buffalo, suckers, redhorse, sheepshead, bowfin, burbot, tullibees, gar, goldeyes, bullheads, smelt, whitefish, and white (striped) bass.
Subp. 12.
Species prohibited for use as bait.
On Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters, carpsucker and buffalo species may not be used for bait and live mussels and clams may be used for bait only on the body of water where taken.
History:
18 SR 83; 19 SR 2222; 20 SR 2287; 22 SR 292; 24 SR 1849; 28 SR 629; 28 SR 1011; 32 SR 1039; 37 SR 1431; 37 SR 1664; 39 SR 822
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0500 TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BOUNDARY WATERS.
Subpart 1.
Specified waters.
The provisions of this part apply to the following described Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters:
A.
Mississippi River and Lake Pepin extending from the mouth of the St. Croix River at the U.S. Highway 10 bridge at Prescott, Wisconsin to the southern boundary of this state and lying between the Burlington Northern main railroad tracks on the Wisconsin side and the Canadian Pacific, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad tracks on the Minnesota side, including all sloughs, backwaters, bays, and newly extended water areas lying between the railroad tracks.
B.
All those portions of Lake St. Croix and the St. Croix River as far as the same lie along the boundary between the state of Minnesota and the state of Wisconsin.
C.
All those portions of the St. Louis River, including St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay, as far as the same line along the boundary between said states downstream to an imaginary line drawn between the northwest bank of the Nemadji River where it forms a junction with Superior Bay and the southwest bank of the Superior entry channel where it forms a junction with Superior Bay.
Subp. 2.
Definitions.
The terms used in parts 6266.0500 and 6266.0600 have the following meanings.
A.
"Commercial operator" means a person properly licensed to take fish in the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters by means of a net, set line, or other legal equipment for the purpose of sale.
B.
"Game fish" means all species and size categories not included as rough fish, minnows, and catfish taken by angling.
C.
"Minimum length" means the length of a fish measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose or jaw, whichever is longer, to the farthest tip of the tail fin when fully extended. When measuring turtles, it means the length of the dorsal surface of the carapace (top shell) measured from side to side across the shell at midpoint.
D.
"Minnow" means:
(2)
shad, mudminnows, willow cat, and all members of the sucker family (Catostomidai) not over 12 inches in length; and
(3)
bullheads, ciscoes, herring, whitefish, goldeyes, and mooneyes not over seven inches in length.
E.
"Rough fish" means common carp, bowfin, redhorse, sheepshead suckers, burbot, gar, buffalo, quillback, mooneyes, goldeyes, shad, eels, and bullheads. In addition, catfish 15 inches or over in length when taken under commercial license with commercial fishing gear downstream from the Taylors Falls Dam shall be considered rough fish.
Subp. 3.
Species, seasons, and limits on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters.
To the extent that chapter 6264 is inconsistent with this part, the provisions of chapter 6264 apply. Lake sturgeon are designated under part 6264.0400, subpart 90.
Except as provided in chapter 6264, the following applies to the species, seasons, and limits for taking fish on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters:
| Species and Open Season | Daily and Possession Limits | ||
| A. | Small and large mouth bass | ||
| (1) | St. Louis River. Saturday preceding Memorial Day to March 1. | 5 in aggregate; 14-inch minimum size limit. | |
| (2) | St. Croix River upstream of the dam at Taylors Falls. | ||
| Saturday preceding Memorial Day to the Sunday preceding the second Monday in September. | 5 in aggregate; 14-inch minimum size limit. | ||
| Second Monday in September to March 1. | Limited to catch and release only. Any smallmouth or largemouth bass must be immediately returned to the water. It is unlawful for anyone to have in possession, regardless of where taken, any smallmouth or largemouth bass. | ||
| (3) | St. Croix River downstream of the dam at Taylors Falls to its mouth (U.S. Highway 10 bridge at Prescott, Wisconsin). Saturday preceding Memorial Day to March 1. | 5 in aggregate; 14-inch minimum size limit. | |
| (4) | Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. Continuous. | 5 in aggregate; 14-inch minimum size limit. | |
| B. | Walleye and sauger | ||
| (1) | St. Louis River. Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to March 1. | 2 in aggregate; 15-inch minimum size limit for walleye. | |
| (2) | St. Croix River. Saturday nearest May 1 to March 1. | 6 in aggregate; 15-inch minimum size limit for walleye. | |
| (3) | Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. Continuous. | 6 in aggregate; 15-inch minimum size limit for walleye. | |
| C. | Northern pike | 5, except St. Louis River 2 northern pike. | |
| (1) | St. Louis River. The Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through March 1. | ||
| (2) | St. Croix River. Saturday nearest May 1 through March 1. | ||
| (3) | Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. Continuous. | ||
| D. | Channel and flathead catfish | 10 in aggregate | |
| Channel catfish. Continuous. | |||
| Flathead catfish. April 1 to November 30. | |||
| E. | Lake sturgeon | ||
| An angler must have a special fish management tag to harvest lake sturgeon. | |||
| (1) | St. Louis River and all waters of the Mississippi River below the Red Wing Dam. June 16 to April 14 for catch and release only. Closed April 15 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | ||
| (2) | All waters of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers above Red Wing Dam. June 16 to March 1 catch and release only. Closed March 2 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | ||
| F. | Shovelnose sturgeon | ||
| (1) | All waters of the Mississippi River below Red Wing Dam. Continuous. | 10 | |
| (2) | All waters of the Mississippi, St. Croix, and St. Louis Rivers above Red Wing Dam. June 16 to March 1 for catch and release only. Closed March 2 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | ||
| G. | Crappie. Continuous. | 25 | |
| H. | Rock bass. Continuous. | 25 | |
| I. | Sunfish and bluegill. Continuous. | 25 | |
| J. | Perch. Continuous. | 25 | |
| K. | Bullhead. Continuous. | No limits | |
| L. | Paddlefish (spoonbill catfish). No open season. | ||
| M. | Rough fish. Continuous. | No limits | |
| N. | Muskellunge. Minimum size limit is 50 inches. Saturday nearest Memorial Day through November 30. | 1 | |
| O. | White (striped) and yellow bass. Continuous. | 25 | |
| P. | All other species. | Governed by inland regulations of state in which taken. | |
Subp. 4.
Number of lines allowed.
Except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 97C.315, subdivision 2, a person may not angle with more than two lines or one line with more than two baits on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. A person may not fish with an unattended line or take fish by snagging. A fish hooked in any part of the body, except the mouth, must immediately be unhooked and returned to the water.
Subp. 5.
Sale of fish prohibited.
A person may not buy, sell, or offer to buy or sell any fish taken on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters by angling, except that rough fish may be bought and sold at any time.
Subp. 6.
Closed areas.
A person may not fish from any point or from any boat within the area from the Taylors Falls (St. Croix Falls) dam on the St. Croix River to 50 feet downstream from the pier in the center of the river. Closed areas must be marked with suitable signs or buoys designating the closed areas. A person may not fish in the St. Louis River from Fond du Lac Dam downstream approximately one-half mile to the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary cable at any time. A person may not fish in the St. Louis River from the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary cable downstream to the Highway 23 bridge from March 1 through May 18 each year.
Subp. 7.
Shelter house deadline.
Buildings, vehicles, tents, fish houses, or similar enclosures may be used on the ice for fishing purposes on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. All enclosures or shelters must be removed from the ice on or before March 1 of each year. Portable shelters may be used after March 1 by persons actively engaged in fishing, but must be removed daily when not in use. The door of an enclosure or shelter must be equipped with a latch that permits the door to be readily opened from the outside at all times while the enclosure or shelter is occupied.
Subp. 8.
Restricted equipment.
No more than two tip-ups may be used for ice fishing on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. Tip-ups may not be more than 400 feet from the angler. A person may not use a spear, dip net, or bow and arrow in any manner at any time for the purpose of taking game fish or have in possession or under control any fish spear, spring gaff, or similar device in a fish house. Rough fish may be taken by means of a spear or dip net not to exceed 24 inches in diameter, from sunrise to sunset only, from the Saturday nearest May 1 through March 1. A person may not have in possession on the water or immediate banks of the water a spear, except during the open season for spearing.
Subp. 10.
Prohibition on taking fish for bait purposes.
The taking of minnows or other fish for bait purposes from all Minnesota waters of Lake Superior and all waters of the St. Louis River downstream of the Fond du Lac Dam in St. Louis and Carlton Counties, including any and all outflows, estuaries, streams, creeks, or waters adjacent to or flowing into these waters is prohibited.
History:
18 SR 83; 20 SR 2287; 23 SR 348; 24 SR 1849; 28 SR 629; 30 SR 394; 32 SR 1039; 33 SR 1442; 37 SR 1664; 39 SR 822
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0600 MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN BOUNDARY WATERS COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS.
Subpart 1.
Commercial operations and equipment.
Licensed commercial operators may take minnows and rough fish as provided in this part. Commercial gear authorized under a commercial fishing license includes set lines (trot lines), seines, gill nets, and traps when used to take minnows. The commissioner may authorize the use of other gear under contract or permit as may be agreed upon between the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Commercial gear, unless otherwise specified, may not be used or operated in Pool 4 of the Mississippi River between Mile Post 780 and 797 from March 1 through May 31.
Subp. 2.
Territorial restrictions for commercial operations.
On Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters, a commercial operator may operate only in the territorial waters of the state of licensure.
Subp. 3.
Commercial fishing restrictions.
The following restrictions apply to commercial fishing on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters:
A.
Game fish taken in any commercial fishing operation must be returned to the water immediately. Grass carp taken during commercial fishing operations may not be returned to the water.
B.
A person other than the license holder or a licensed helper may not tend commercial fishing gear. Commercial nets or set lines may not be used or operated in any waters within 900 feet below any dam on the Mississippi River.
C.
The commissioner may require the operator of any seine, set line, or gill net to cease fishing operations when it has been determined that such operations are detrimental to game fish or other protected wildlife.
D.
Nets or set lines may not be set, lifted, hauled, or tended in any manner between one-half hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of the following morning, except when completing an ongoing seine haul with the permission of the commissioner.
E.
A licensed commercial operator, any crew member, or any person in the boat may not have in possession any game fish or sport angling equipment while operating licensed commercial gear or while traveling to or from the place of operation of such gear.
F.
A person, other than a person selling commercial gear at wholesale or retail, may not have in possession or under control any unlicensed commercial fishing gear or a basket trap (slat net), trammel net, or wooden trap which could be used for the purpose of taking, catching, or killing fish in any of the counties bordering the boundary waters as specified in part 6266.0500.
G.
Commercial operators licensed to fish Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters must submit monthly reports on forms provided by the commissioner, regardless of whether fish are taken or whether any fishing operations have taken place. Reports must be sent to the address identified on the form so that they are received by the tenth day of the month following the month that the activity took place.
Subp. 4.
Using set lines.
Rough fish may be taken from April 1 through October 31 in the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin by licensed commercial operators with the use of set lines. A person may not set or operate more than a total of four set lines, not to exceed 100 hooks attached to each line or 400 hooks in the aggregate, nor place set lines in any manner which obstructs any type of boat travel in more than three-fourths the width of any bay, slough, or channel. A person using set lines may not use any frogs, game fish, bullheads of any size, or their parts for bait. Set lines must have attached the identification tag provided with the license. At one end of every set line there must be a white flag, not less than 16 inches square, the upper end of which must extend at least two feet above the water, which must be legibly numbered with figures at least three inches in height corresponding with the number of the license authorizing the use of the set line, or a nonmetallic buoy of permanent buoyancy and of at least one gallon displacement of white or yellow color bearing the markings described above. Set lines must be lifted and fish removed at least once every 24 hours and must be set or lifted only between one hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset.
Subp. 5.
Using seines.
Rough fish may be taken by commercial operators with the use of seines of any size only in those portions of the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters lying south of the U.S. Highway 8 bridge at St. Croix Falls. From October 1 through April 30, each commercial operator may retain no more than 100 pounds of catfish per day taken incidental to commercial operations. Catfish must have a minimum length of 15 inches. Seine hauls may not be made without the operator first having notified the local conservation officer and area fisheries supervisor of the hauls.
Subp. 6.
Using gill nets.
The following provisions apply to the use of gill nets in commercial fishing operations on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters:
A.
Rough fish may be taken in the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin by commercial operators with the use of gill nets having a mesh measuring 3-1/2 inches or larger, bar or square measure, measured while in use and inside the knots. Gillnetting may not be used as a drag seine or drift net at any time.
B.
Gill nets must be attached to an end stake, pole, or anchored buoy bearing a white flag, not less than 16 inches square, the upper end of which must extend at least two feet above the water or ice at all times when the net is set or in operation, which must be legibly numbered with figures at least three inches in height corresponding with the number of the license authorizing the use of such nets.
C.
Gill nets must be lifted and emptied of fish at least once every 24 hours when set in open water and at least once every 48 hours when set under the ice, unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner.
D.
Gill nets may not be set in such a manner as to obstruct any type of boat travel in more than three-fourths the width of any slough, bay, or channel.
Subp. 7.
Taking minnows.
The following provisions apply to the commercial taking of minnows on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters:
A.
Minnows may not be taken in Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters, except in the St. Croix River upstream of the Taylors Falls Dam, by seine, dip net, or trap. Seines may not exceed 50 feet in length or five feet in depth, nor have mesh exceeding one-half inch, stretch measure. Dip net frames may not exceed six feet in diameter nor have a net bag more than four feet deep. A trap may not exceed 24 inches in length or 16 inches in diameter or have an opening at its throat exceeding 1-1/2 inches in diameter. All traps used in taking minnows must have securely attached a label or tag legibly and permanently bearing the name and address of the operator. All minnow traps must be raised and the minnows removed at least once every 24 hours.
B.
Live carp fingerlings, except grass carp, may be transported for sale or for bait only by boat or other floating conveyance and only on the boundary waters where taken. Alewife, ruffe, and white perch may not be possessed or used as bait.
Subp. 8.
Taking turtles.
Turtles may be taken incidental to licensed commercial fishing operations or by persons licensed to take turtles as provided by chapter 6256 and Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.475, and may be possessed and sold as provided by Minnesota Statutes, sections 97C.605 and 97C.611.
History:
18 SR 83; 20 SR 2287; 23 SR 348; 28 SR 629
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
6266.0700 TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-CANADA BOUNDARY WATERS.
Subpart 1.
Specified waters.
The provisions of this part apply to those portions of the following named Minnesota-Canada boundary waters:
A.
Basswood Lake (except Jackfish, Pipestone, Hoist and Back Bays), T.64, R.9, 10; T.65, R.9, 10, Lake County;
O.
Knife Lake (except South Arm of Knife Lake), T.64, R.8; T.65, R.6, 7, 8; T.66, R.6, Lake County;
JJ.
Rainy Lake (including Black Bay), T.69, R.18, 19; T.70, R.18, 19, 20, 21, 22, T.71, R.20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Koochiching and Lake of the Woods Counties;
Subp. 2.
Species, seasons, and limits on Minnesota-Canada boundary waters.
A.
To the extent that chapter 6264 is inconsistent with this part, the provisions of chapter 6264 apply.
B.
The following border waters and species are designated under chapter 6264:
| Name | Chapter 6264 Reference | |
| (1) | Lake sturgeon | 6264.0400, subpart 32 |
| (2) | Lake of the Woods | 6264.0400, subparts 33 and 55 |
| (3) | Rainy River | 6264.0400, subparts 33 and 55 |
| (4) | Namakan Reservoir Lakes | 6264.0300, subpart 56 |
| (5) | Basswood Lake | 6264.0400, subpart 19 |
| (6) | Rainy Lake, including Rat Root Lake and River | 6264.0300, subpart 32 |
C.
Except as provided in chapter 6264, the following applies to the species, seasons, and limits for taking fish on Minnesota-Canada boundary waters. When the closing date of the season falls on a Saturday, the season extends to the following Sunday, except for the walleye and sauger season, which always ends on April 14 regardless of which day of the week it falls.
| Species | Open Season | Daily and Possession Limits | |
| (1) | Walleye and sauger | ||
| (a) All border waters not listed in unit (b) or (c) or in chapter 6264 | Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to April 14. | 6 in the aggregate, with only 1 over 20 inches in possession. | |
| (b) Rainy Lake, including Minnesota waters from the dam in International Falls to the dam in Kettle Falls and Black Bay, including Gold Portage and the upper portion of the Rainy River (Boise Cascade Dam upstream to Ranier) | Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to April 14. | 8 in the aggregate, of which not more than 4 may be walleye. | |
| Rat Root River and Rat Root Lake | Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the last Sunday in February. | 8 in the aggregate, of which not more than 4 may be walleye. | |
| (c) Saganaga Lake | Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to April 14. | 6 walleye, with only 1 walleye over 19.5 inches. | |
| (2) | Sturgeon | ||
| An angler must have a special fish management tag to harvest sturgeon. All border waters not listed in subitem (1), unit (b) or (c), or in chapter 6264. | June 16 to April 14 for catch and release only. Closed April 15 to June 15. When the closing date of a season falls on a Saturday, the season does not extend through the following Sunday. | ||
| (3) | Lake trout | In all bodies of water entirely or partly outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and exceptions from the Saturday nearest January 15 through March 15; lakes partly outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and exceptions include Saganaga Lake; in all bodies of water lying entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from January 1 through March 31, except when January 1 falls on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, then the opening day is the preceding Saturday (Saturday nearest January 1); and in all waters from the Saturday two weeks prior to Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through September 30. | 2 |
| (4) | Trout (except lake trout) | Saturday nearest May 1 through September 30. | Same as listed in part 6262.0200. |
| (5) | Northern pike | ||
| (a) For all waters not listed in unit (b) or in chapter 6264 | Continuous. | 3, with only 1 over 30 inches. | |
| (b) Basswood Lake | Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the last Sunday in February. | 3 | |
| (6) | Muskellunge (minimum size 50 inches total length) | Third Saturday in June through November 30. | 1 |
| (7) | Large and smallmouth bass | No closed season. | 6 in aggregate. |
| (8) | Crappie | No closed season. | 10 |
| (9) | All other species | No closed season. | Same as listed in part 6262.0200. |
Subp. 3.
Number of lines allowed.
Only one line may be used to angle on Minnesota-Canada boundary waters, except two lines may be used while angling through the ice. Fish with length limits may not be possessed as fillets on the water while angling, except as provided in part 6262.0100, subpart 5, item D. Any fish that is hooked in any part of the body, except the mouth, must be immediately unhooked and returned to the water, whether dead or alive.
Subp. 4.
Single limit requirement.
The provisions in items A and B apply to the limits for taking and possessing fish on Minnesota-Canada boundary waters.
A.
While in this state, a person permitted to take and possess fish in this state and licensed by the Canadian province of Ontario or Manitoba may not possess fish taken from Minnesota-Canada boundary waters in excess of this state's limit.
B.
While in this state, a person permitted to take and possess fish in this state and licensed by the Canadian province of Ontario or Manitoba may not possess fish taken from the inland waters of Ontario or Manitoba in excess of this state's limit unless the excess fish are accompanied by proof of taking from inland Canadian waters. When accompanied by such proof, one Canadian limit and one Minnesota limit may be possessed simultaneously. The following is considered sufficient proof for a period of seven days after date of issuance:
(1)
Written verification issued by United States Customs of having entered the United States at a time consistent with the time of having taken fish in inland Canadian waters.
(2)
A receipt from a resort, campground, or place of lodging located on inland Canadian waters issued at a time consistent with the time of having taken fish in inland Canadian waters.
Subp. 5.
Shelter house deadline.
On Minnesota-Canada boundary waters, a dark house, fish house, or shelter may remain on the ice no later than March 31. Portable shelters may be used after March 31 only when occupied for angling.
History:
18 SR 83; 22 SR 1559; 23 SR 348; 27 SR 1017; 28 SR 629; 28 SR 1011; 29 SR 596; 32 SR 1039; 32 SR 1044; 39 SR 822
Published Electronically:
December 22, 2016
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes