Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2012/cite/97C/full
Timestamp: 2020-02-28 16:33:01
Document Index: 554211851

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﻿ Ch. 97C MN Statutes
CHAPTER 97C. FISHING
97C.003 [Repealed, 2002 c 351 s 34]
97C.007 NORTHERN PIKE EXPERIMENTAL AND SPECIAL MANAGEMENT WATERS.
97C.011 MUSKELLUNGE LAKES.
97C.015 [Repealed, 2005 c 146 s 52]
97C.02 ACQUISITION OF CRITICAL AQUATIC HABITAT.
97C.021 ANGLING RESTRICTED IN TROUT STREAMS.
97C.031 [Repealed, 2012 c 277 art 1 s 91]
97C.035 ENDANGERED FISH POPULATIONS.
97C.041 COMMISSIONER MAY REMOVE ROUGH FISH AND CATFISH.
97C.045 REMOVAL OF ROUGH FISH FROM BOUNDARY WATERS.
97C.051 SPECIAL PERMITS TO USE PISCICIDES.
97C.055 DEAD FISH REMOVAL.
97C.061 DRAGGING A WEIGHT OR AN ANCHOR THROUGH VEGETATION.
97C.065 POLLUTANTS IN WATERS.
97C.071 PERMIT REQUIRED FOR STRUCTURE IN PUBLIC WATERS.
97C.075 FISH SCREENS IN FLOWING WATERS.
97C.077 FISH SCREENS IN LAKES.
97C.085 PERMIT REQUIRED FOR TAGGING FISH.
97C.087 SPECIAL FISH MANAGEMENT TAGS.
97C.201 STATE FISH STOCKING PROHIBITED WITHOUT PUBLIC ACCESS.
97C.209 [Repealed, 1992 c 566 s 23]
97C.215 SPECIAL PERMITS FOR UNITED STATES AGENTS.
97C.301 LICENSE REQUIRED TO TAKE FISH.
97C.303 CONSERVATION ANGLING LICENSE.
97C.305 TROUT AND SALMON STAMP VALIDATION.
97C.311 LAKE SUPERIOR FISHING GUIDE LICENSE.
97C.315 ANGLING LINES AND HOOKS.
97C.317 FISHING AS A PARTY.
97C.325 RESTRICTIONS ON TAKING FISH.
97C.327 MEASUREMENT OF FISH LENGTH.
97C.331 SNAGGING FISH PROHIBITED.
97C.342 CERTIFICATION THAT FROZEN OR DEAD FISH BAIT ARE DISEASE FREE.
97C.345 RESTRICTIONS ON USE AND POSSESSION OF NETS AND SPEARS.
97C.346 PROHIBITION ON RETURNING CERTAIN NETTED ROUGH FISH TO WATERS.
97C.347 [Repealed, 1988 c 588 s 17]
97C.351 FISH NETS MUST HAVE TAG ATTACHED.
97C.361 RESTRICTIONS ON FISH HOUSES AND DARK HOUSES IN THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA.
97C.365 [Repealed, 2007 c 131 art 1 s 96]
97C.371 SPEARING FISH.
97C.376 BOW FISHING.
97C.381 HARPOONING ROUGH FISH.
97C.385 COMMISSIONER'S AUTHORITY TO REGULATE WINTER FISHING.
97C.391 BUYING AND SELLING FISH.
97C.392 [Never effective, 2004 c 215 s 29; 2004 c 255 s 51]
97C.401 LIMITS.
97C.402 [Repealed, 1988 c 588 s 17]
97C.403 [Repealed, 2005 c 146 s 52]
97C.405 [Repealed, 2009 c 176 art 2 s 71]
97C.411 STURGEON AND PADDLEFISH.
97C.415 TROUT AND SALMON.
97C.417 REPORTING ASIAN CARP.
97C.511 MINNOW SEINES.
97C.521 TRANSPORTATION OF CARP FINGERLINGS PROHIBITED.
97C.525 RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSPORTATION OF MINNOWS.
97C.601 FROGS.
97C.611 SNAPPING TURTLES; LIMITS.
97C.615 [Repealed, 1989 c 266 s 5]
97C.621 AREAS MAY BE CLOSED TO TAKING TURTLES.
97C.701 TAKING MUSSELS.
97C.705 MUSSEL SEASONS.
97C.711 UNDERSIZED MUSSELS.
NETTING AND COMMERCIAL FISHING
97C.801 TAKING ROUGH FISH ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
97C.827 LAKE OF THE WOODS; COMMERCIAL FISHING OF ROUGH FISH.
97C.831 NAMAKAN AND SAND POINT LAKES; COMMERCIAL FISHING.
97C.836 LAKE SUPERIOR LAKE TROUT EXPANDED ASSESSMENT HARVEST.
97C.841 APPRENTICE LICENSE.
97C.843 POSSESSION FOR COMMERCIAL NETTING.
97C.845 INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCIAL FISHING.
97C.851 COMMERCIAL FISHING IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS; RESORT OWNERS.
97C.855 UPPER AND LOWER RED LAKE AND NETT LAKE; TRANSPORTATION, SALE, AND DISPOSAL.
97C.861 FISH VENDOR REQUIREMENTS.
97C.865 FISH PACKERS.
97C.871 CRAYFISH.
The commissioner may, in accordance with the procedures in subdivision 2, paragraphs (c) and (e), or by rule under chapter 14, establish open seasons, limits, methods, and other requirements for taking fish on special management waters. The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, amend daily, possession, or size limits to make midseason adjustments based on available harvest, angling pressure, and population data to manage the fisheries in the 1837 Ceded Territory in compliance with the court orders in Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa v. Minnesota, 119 S. Ct. 1187 (1999). The midseason adjustments in daily, possession, or size limits are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. Before the written order is effective, the commissioner shall attempt to notify persons or groups of persons affected by the written order by public announcement, posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 2; 1992 c 462 s 16; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 54
The combined number of lakes designated for northern pike under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 may not exceed 100 at one time. Until November 1, 2021, the designated lakes must be selected from the lakes identified in rules adopted under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 with northern pike slot limits effective on January 1, 2011. A designation under this section must continue for at least ten years, at which time the commissioner shall determine, based on scientific studies, whether the designation should be discontinued.
1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 55
(a) The commissioner may, after preparing a statement of need and reasonableness and holding a public meeting, designate waters with muskellunge as muskellunge waters.
(b) The commissioner may prescribe rules for each designated muskellunge waters that:
(1) restrict spearing from a dark house;
(2) restrict angling from a dark house;
(3) limit the open season to take fish;
(4) limit the size of fish that may be kept; and
(5) limit the number of each species of fish that may be kept.
(c) The commissioner must give notice and hold a hearing before adopting rules under this subdivision. The rules must have a termination date and may only be extended upon a showing by the commissioner, at a hearing, that the muskellunge population in the designated waters has been enhanced.
(d) The provisions of section 97C.385, subdivision 1, requiring the angling season on a lake to be closed in proportion to the spearing season do not apply to designated muskellunge lakes.
(e) The commissioner, in designating a muskellunge water on lakes wholly or partially within an Indian reservation, may not designate a whole lake larger than 29,775 acres in surface area, except that sensitive areas of lakes larger than 29,775 acres may be designated if clause (a) is complied with.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 3; 1988 c 714 s 2
The commissioner shall acquire lands that are critical for fish and other aquatic life and that meet criteria described for aquatic management areas in section 86A.05, subdivision 14. The lands that are acquired may be developed to manage lakes, rivers, streams, and adjacent wetlands and lands for aquatic life, water quality, intrinsic biological value, public fishing, and other compatible outdoor recreational uses. The land may be acquired by gift, lease, easement, or purchase. The commissioner shall designate land acquired under this subdivision as aquatic management areas for the purposes of the outdoor recreation system.
2000 c 495 s 40
A person may only take fish from a designated trout stream during the open season for trout in the stream.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 5
If the commissioner determines that fish are in danger of dying, or if waters will be restored with the use of piscicides, the commissioner may rescue the fish under subdivision 2 or allow taking of the fish under subdivision 3.
Subd. 2.Rescue of fish.
If the commissioner rescues fish endangered by lack of oxygen in the winter, the fish may be transferred to other waters, sold, or otherwise disposed of.
Subd. 3.Taking of fish.
(a) The commissioner may authorize residents to take fish:
(1) in any quantity;
(2) in any manner, except by use of seines, hoop nets, fyke nets, and explosives; and
(3) for personal use only, except rough fish may be sold.
(b) The commissioner may authorize the taking of fish by posting notice conspicuously along the shore of the waters and publishing a news release in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the waters are located.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 8; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1996 c 410 s 41; 1997 c 226 s 36
The commissioner may take rough fish, lake whitefish, and rainbow smelt with seines, nets, and other devices. The commissioner may also take catfish with seines, nets, and other devices on the Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. The commissioner may hire or contract persons, or issue permits, to take the fish. The commissioner shall prescribe the manner of taking and disposal. The commissioner may award a contract under this section without competitive bidding. Before establishing the contractor's compensation, the commissioner must consider the qualifications of the contractor, including the contractor's equipment, knowledge of the waters, and ability to perform the work.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 9; 2000 c 495 s 41
The commissioner may enter into agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, relating to the removal of rough fish in boundary waters. The agreements may include:
(1) contracting to remove rough fish;
(2) inspection of the work;
(3) the division of proceeds; and
(4) regulating the taking of rough fish.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 10
(a) The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to apply piscicides to restore waters at the permittee's expense. The commissioner may by rule prescribe insurance requirements for permit applicants.
(b) A permit under this section may be issued to an individual, a group of riparian owners, or a lake improvement association. The permit may only be issued if all riparian owners have consented in writing.
Subd. 2.Taking of fish.
The commissioner may set special open seasons, limits, and methods to take fish before the piscicides are applied. The commissioner must post the special provisions at or near the waters.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 11; 1993 c 231 s 48
The commissioner shall remove and dispose of dead fish that accumulate in or upon the shores of public waters in quantities that are a public nuisance or are detrimental to game fish.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 12
A person may not use a motorboat to drag an anchor or other weight through aquatic vegetation, except by commissioner's rule.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 13; 1991 c 259 s 23
A person may not dispose of any substance in state waters, or allow any substance to enter state waters, in quantities that injure or are detrimental to the propagation of wild animals or taint the flesh of wild animals. Each day of violation is a separate offense. An occurring or continuous violation is a public nuisance. An action may be brought by the attorney general to enjoin and abate nuisance upon request of the commissioner. This section does not apply to chemicals used for pest control for the general welfare of the public.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 14
A person may not construct or maintain a dam or other obstruction, except a boat pier, in or over public waters without a permit from the commissioner. The commissioner may establish permit conditions for the construction or modification of a fishway around or over a dam or obstruction.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 15
A person may not obstruct a creek, stream, or river to prevent the passage of fish with a rack or screen without the permission of the commissioner. The person that erected the obstruction, or the owner of the land where the obstruction is located, must immediately remove the obstruction upon order of the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 16
Subdivision 1.Lake in single county.
If all or a major part of a navigable lake is located within a single county and has been stocked with fish by the United States government, the county board, in order to maintain fish in the lake and prevent their escape from the lake, may erect and maintain screens at the inlets and outlets of the lake. The county board may appropriate from the county treasury money for the erection and maintenance of the screens.
Subd. 2.Lake in more than one county.
If a lake is located in more than one county, the county boards of the affected counties may jointly provide for the erection and maintenance of screens. The expense of the screens and maintenance must be paid equally between the counties, and the county boards must appropriate money from the county treasury of their respective counties to pay the expenses of the screens and maintenance.
1990 c 391 art 8 s 26
A person may not tag or otherwise mark a live fish for identification without a permit from the commissioner, except for special fish management tags as authorized under section 97A.551.
1993 c 231 s 52; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 114
Subdivision 1.Tags to be issued.
If the commissioner determines it is necessary to require that a species of fish be tagged with a special fish management tag, the commissioner shall prescribe, by rule, the species to be tagged, tagging procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Subd. 2.Application for tag.
Application for special fish management tags must be accompanied by a $5, nonrefundable application fee for each tag. A person may not make more than one tag application each calendar year. If a person makes more than one application, the person is ineligible for a special fish management tag for that calendar year after determination by the commissioner, without a hearing.
1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 115; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 58
The commissioner and state agencies may only stock fish in waters where there is public access. The commissioner may stock fish in any stream within privately owned lands where the public is granted free access to and use of the stream for fishing purposes.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 18; 1986 c 424 s 2
1986 c 386 art 3 s 19; 1993 c 231 s 53; 1996 c 410 s 43; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 47; 2008 c 307 s 13; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 59; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 59
The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to an authorized agent of the United States to conduct fish culture operations, rescue work, and related fishery operations.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 21
Unless exempted under section 97A.445, 97A.451, or 97A.465, subdivision 1, a person must have a license to take fish as provided in this section.
A person may not take fish without an angling license.
Subd. 3.Spearing.
A person may not take fish by spearing from a dark house without a dark house spearing license and an angling license.
Subd. 4.Netting.
A person may not take fish by netting without the required license to net fish and an angling license.
Subd. 5.Aquatic farms.
An aquatic farm licensee may take aquatic life under the aquatic farm license and its endorsements as authorized without additional licenses under the game and fish laws.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 22; 1992 c 566 s 19
The commissioner shall make available a conservation angling license according to this section. Conservation angling licenses shall be offered for resident individuals and resident married couples.
Subd. 2.Daily and possession limits.
Daily and possession limits for fish taken under a conservation angling license are one-half the daily and possession limits for the corresponding fish taken under a standard angling license, rounded down to the next whole number if necessary.
The fee for a conservation angling license issued under this section is two-thirds of the corresponding standard angling license fee under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
2008 c 368 art 2 s 60
Except as provided in subdivision 2 or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person over age 18 and under age 65 required to possess an angling license must have a trout and salmon stamp validation to:
(i) possesses a license to take fish by angling for a period of 24 hours or 72 hours from the time of issuance under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, clause (4) or (5); or 7, paragraph (a), clause (3) or (5), and
1986 c 386 art 3 s 23; 1988 c 437 s 5; 1995 c 220 s 90; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 34; 1996 c 410 s 44; 1997 c 216 s 88; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 119; 2002 c 323 s 16; 2012 c 277 art 2 s 32,33,38
NOTE: The amendments to subdivisions 1 and 2 by Laws 2012, chapter 277, article 2, sections 32 and 33, are effective March 1, 2013. Laws 2012, chapter 277, article 2, section 38.
A person may not operate a charter boat and guide anglers on Lake Superior or the St. Louis River Estuary for compensation without a fishing guide license. For purposes of this subdivision and section 97A.475, subdivision 15, "St. Louis River Estuary" means the United States Coast Guard navigable waters of the lower St. Louis River to the Minnesota State Highway No. 23 bridge.
The commissioner shall adopt rules for:
(1) issuance of the licenses, including qualifications for licensees; and
(2) record keeping and reporting by licensees.
A person may not use a watercraft for activities authorized under this section unless the watercraft complies with all applicable licensing and safety requirements of the United States Coast Guard.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 24; 1993 c 231 s 54; 1999 c 57 s 2
Subdivision 1.Lines.
An angler may not use more than one line except:
(2) the commissioner may, by rule, authorize the use of two lines in areas designated by the commissioner in Lake Superior.
Subd. 2.Hooks.
(1) three artificial flies may be on a line used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, crappies, sunfish, and rock bass;
(2) a single artificial bait may contain more than one hook; and
1986 c 386 art 3 s 25; 1991 c 259 s 23; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 48
While two or more persons are taking fish by angling as a party, the total number of fish taken and the total number of fish possessed by the party may not exceed the limit of the number of persons in the party that may take and possess fish by angling. For the purpose of this section, a party means:
(1) for persons who are not on the water, the persons are maintaining unaided visual and vocal contact;
(2) for persons who are on frozen water surfaces, the persons are maintaining unaided visual and vocal contact; and
(3) for persons who are on open water surfaces, the persons are angling from a single watercraft.
1989 c 153 s 3; 2002 c 323 s 17
1986 c 386 art 3 s 26; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 35; 1997 c 226 s 39
1986 c 386 art 3 s 27; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 39; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 47
For the purpose of determining compliance with size limits for fish in this chapter or in rules of the commissioner, the length of a fish must be measured from the tip of the nose or jaw, whichever is longer, to the farthest tip of the tail when fully extended.
1993 c 231 s 55; 2005 c 146 s 44
(1) intentionally take fish by snagging; or
(2) use a snag line, snag pole, snag hook, or cluster of fish hooks, designed to be placed in or drawn through the water to hook the body of a fish.
Subd. 2.Prohibition on Lake Superior tributaries.
On tributaries to Lake Superior below the posted boundaries, and on tributaries to Lake Superior with no posted boundaries, a fish that is hooked in any part of the body except in the mouth must be immediately unhooked and returned to the water.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 28; 1993 c 231 s 56; 1994 c 460 s 1
(a) A person may not use artificial lights to lure or attract fish or to see fish in the water while spearing, except that while angling or spearing, a person may:
(1) affix a lighted artificial bait with hooks attached to the end of a fishing line; or
(b) A battery that is used in lighted fishing lures must not contain mercury.
(c) The restrictions in paragraph (a) do not apply to bow fishing.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 29; 2000 c 308 s 1; 2000 c 463 s 19; 2000 c 473 s 20; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 48; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 56
1986 c 386 art 3 s 30; 2008 c 307 s 14; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 61; 2012 c 272 s 26
Frozen or dead fish on the official list of viral hemorrhagic septicemia susceptible species published by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services; cisco (all Coregonus, including lake herring and tullibee); and smelt (all Osmerus, Spirincus, Hypomesus, and Allosmerus) being used as bait in waters of the state must originate from water bodies certified disease free. Certification for these water bodies is valid for one year from the date of test results.
Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may by written order published in the State Register, establish fees for the services and testing required to issue health certifications for a water body. The fees must be set in an amount that does not recover significantly more or less than the costs of providing services to health-certify a water body. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and sections 14.125 and 14.386 do not apply. The services covered under this subdivision include:
Subdivision 1.Period when use prohibited.
Except as specifically authorized, a person may not take fish from the third Monday in February to April 30 with a spear, fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish.
(b) A person may possess spears, dip nets, and spear guns allowed under section 97C.381 on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, or as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 31; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 52,53; 1992 c 566 s 20; 1993 c 231 s 57,58; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 36-38; 2005 c 146 s 45; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 57
A person may not release carp or buffalo taken by netting back into the water.
2009 c 176 art 2 s 58
A person may not possess a fish net unless specifically authorized or a tag is attached bearing the name and address of the owner when the net is not in use and the name and address of the operator when the net is in use, as prescribed by the commissioner. This section does not apply to minnow nets, landing nets, dip nets, and nets in stock for sale by dealers.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 32; 1992 c 462 s 17
A person may only use a portable fish house or dark house within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The house must be removed from the waters and collapsed or disassembled each night. The house may not remain in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area if the person leaves the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 34
Subdivision 1.Species allowed.
Only rough fish, catfish, lake whitefish, and northern pike may be taken by spearing.
Subd. 2.Dark houses required for certain species.
Catfish, lake whitefish, and northern pike may be speared only from dark houses.
Subd. 3.Restrictions while spearing from dark house.
Subd. 4.Open season.
The open season for spearing through the ice is November 15 to the last Sunday in February.
Nonresidents may spear from a fish house or dark house.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 36; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 41; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 50,51; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 66; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 60
A resident or nonresident may take rough fish by spearing during the times, in waters, and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 37; 1993 c 269 s 26; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 61
The bow fishing season for residents and nonresidents is from May 1 to the last Sunday in February at any time of the day.
Subd. 2.Possession of bows and arrows.
A person may possess bows and arrows for the purposes of bow fishing on or within 100 feet of waters at any time from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, subject to local ordinances. A person must take reasonable measures to retrieve arrows and wounded fish.
Subd. 3.Nighttime restrictions on motors.
From sunset to sunrise, a person bow fishing with the assistance of a gasoline-powered motor must use a four-stroke engine powered generator. The noise limits for total noise while bow fishing from sunset to sunrise shall not exceed a noise level of 65 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test or 67 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being tested. The noise levels under section 86B.321 apply to persons traveling to and from bow fishing sites from sunset to sunrise.
Subd. 4.Nighttime structure and campground setback requirements.
A person shall not discharge an arrow while bow fishing within 150 feet of an occupied structure or within 300 feet of a campsite from sunset to sunrise.
Subd. 5.Prohibition on returning rough fish to waters.
Rough fish taken by bow fishing shall not be returned to the water and rough fish may not be left on the banks of any water of the state.
2009 c 176 art 2 s 62
A resident or nonresident may use a rubber powered gun, spring gun, or compressed air gun to take rough fish by harpooning. The harpoon must be fastened to a line not more than 20 feet long. The commissioner may prescribe the times, the waters, and the manner for harpooning rough fish.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 38; 1994 c 467 s 1
Subdivision 1.Summer angling season to be closed in same proportion.
If the commissioner closes the statutory open season for the spearing of a game fish species in any waters, the commissioner must, in the same rule, close the following statutory open season for angling for the same species in the waters in the same proportion.
Subd. 2.Summer angling limits must be same as spearing.
If the commissioner reduces the limit of a species of game fish taken by spearing in any waters under section 97A.045, subdivision 2, the commissioner must reduce the limit for taking of the species by angling in the waters during the following open season for angling.
Subd. 3.Closing lakes and streams in a county.
The commissioner may not close the open season for taking game fish through the ice on more than 50 percent of the named lakes or streams of a county under section 97A.045, subdivision 2.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 39; 1991 c 259 s 23
Subdivision 1.General restrictions.
(1) minnows;
(2) rough fish excluding ciscoes;
(3) smelt taken from Lake Superior and rivers and streams that flow into Lake Superior;
(4) fish taken under licensed commercial fishing operations;
(5) fish that are private aquatic life; and
(6) fish lawfully taken and subject to sale from other states and countries.
Subd. 2.Restrictions on certain game fish.
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, muskellunge, and sunfish may be bought or sold by a private hatchery or aquatic farm, or as prescribed by the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 40; 1987 c 318 s 8; 1992 c 566 s 21; 1993 c 231 s 59; 2008 c 307 s 15
Subdivision 1.Dates for certain species.
(6) for salmon, as prescribed by the commissioner by rule.
Subd. 2.Continuous season for certain species.
For sunfish, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, catfish, rock bass, white bass, lake whitefish, and rough fish, the open season is continuous.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 41; 1989 c 242 s 2; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 42; 2005 c 146 s 46; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 67; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 63; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 75
Subdivision 1.Commissioner authorized to prescribe limits.
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the commissioner shall, by rule, prescribe the limits on the number of each species of fish that may be taken in one day and the number that may be possessed.
Subd. 2.Walleye; northern pike.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person may have no more than one walleye larger than 20 inches and one northern pike larger than 30 inches in possession.
(b) The restrictions in paragraph (a) do not apply to boundary waters.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 42; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1993 c 185 s 2; 1994 c 523 s 1; 2005 c 146 s 47; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 68
Lake sturgeon, shovelnose sturgeon, and paddlefish may not be taken, bought, sold, transported or possessed except as provided by rule of the commissioner. The commissioner may only allow the taking of these fish in waters that the state boundary passes through and in tributaries to the St. Croix River.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 44; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1996 c 410 s 45
Subdivision 1.Hours for taking trout restricted.
A person may not take trout, except lake trout, between 11:00 p.m. and one hour before sunrise.
Subd. 2.Lake Superior streams.
The commissioner may prescribe the open season and conditions for taking brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, steelhead trout, and salmon in any portion of a stream that flows into Lake Superior.
Subd. 3.Salmon.
The commissioner may prescribe, by rule, the method of taking and possessing salmon.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 45; 1991 c 259 s 23
2007 c 131 art 1 s 50
Subdivision 1.Size restrictions.
Except as provided in subdivision 2, a person may not take minnows with a seine longer than 25 feet, and deeper than:
(1) 148 meshes of 1/4 inch bar measure;
(2) 197 meshes of 3/16 inch bar measure; or
(3) four feet of material of less than 3/16 inch bar measure.
Subd. 2.Licensed minnow dealers.
A minnow dealer may take minnows with a seine that is not longer than 50 feet, and not deeper than:
(1) 222 meshes of 1/4 inch bar measure;
(2) 296 meshes of 3/16 inch bar measure; or
(3) six feet of material of less than 3/16 inch bar measure.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 48
NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 4 by Laws 2012, chapter 277, article 1, section 77, is effective July 1, 2013. Laws 2012, chapter 277, article 1, section 77, the effective date.
Except as provided in section 17.4984, subdivision 2, paragraph (g), a person may not transport live carp fingerlings.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 50; 2000 c 331 s 5
This section does not apply to the transportation of 24 dozen minnows, or less, or to transportation with a permit issued under section 97C.515, subdivision 2.
Subd. 2.Transporting out of state.
A person may not transport minnows out of the state, except as provided in this section.
Subd. 3.Minnow dealers.
A resident minnow dealer or a nonresident exporting minnow dealer may transport minnows out of the state. A nonresident exporting minnow dealer must possess a bill of lading issued by a resident minnow dealer with an exporting minnow dealer's license. The bill of lading must be on a form furnished by the commissioner and must state the nonresident exporting minnow dealer's name and address, the route through the state, number and species of minnows, and the time it was issued.
Subd. 4.Minnow retailers.
A minnow retailer transporting minnows from a place of wholesale purchase to the retailer's place of business must use the most reasonably direct route.
Subd. 5.Out-of-state vehicles.
The nonresident exporting minnow dealer must transport the minnows out of the state within 24 hours of the time of issuance stated on the bill of lading. A person may not transport minnows in a motor vehicle licensed in another state without an exporting minnow dealer's vehicle license.
Subd. 6.Common carrier.
An exporting minnow dealer may transport minnows by common carrier and must provide on request by the commissioner information pertaining to product, quantity, and destination.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 51; 1990 c 502 s 5; 1993 c 226 s 19; 2004 c 255 s 40,41
The open season for frogs is May 16 to March 31. The commissioner may, by rule, establish closed seasons in specified areas.
(a) A person may not take or possess frogs without an angling license if the person is required to have an angling license to take fish.
(b) A person may not purchase, possess, and transport frogs for purposes other than bait without a license to purchase, possess, and transport frogs.
(c) A person may not take, possess, transport, and sell frogs for purposes other than bait without a license to take, possess, transport, and sell frogs.
Subd. 3.Taking with cloth screens prohibited.
A person may not use cloth screens or similar devices to take frogs.
Subd. 4.Taking with artificial lights.
The commissioner may issue permits to take frogs with the use of artificial lights in waters designated in the permit.
(a) A person may possess frogs, up to six inches long, without limit if the frogs are possessed, bought, sold, and transported for bait.
(b) Unless the commissioner prescribes otherwise, a person may possess frogs over six inches long and:
(1) transport the frogs, except by common carrier; and
(2) sell the frogs in any quantity during the open season.
(c) The length of a frog is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the hind toes, with the legs fully extended.
The commissioner shall prescribe rules for taking, buying, selling, possessing, importing, and transporting frogs for purposes other than bait.
Subd. 7.For human consumption.
The commissioner may issue permits for importing, raising, and selling frogs for human consumption.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 52; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1993 c 231 s 62
A person may not possess more than three snapping turtles of the species Chelydra serpentina without a turtle seller's license. Until new rules are adopted under section 97C.605, a person may not take snapping turtles of a size less than ten inches wide including curvature, measured from side to side across the shell at midpoint. After new rules are adopted under section 97C.605, a person may only take snapping turtles of a size specified in the adopted rules.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 54; 1989 c 266 s 4; 2002 c 351 s 24
The commissioner may prohibit the taking of turtles from state waters where operations are being conducted to aid fish propagation.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 56
The commissioner may by rule set size limits and prescribe conditions for the taking, possession, transportation, sale, and purchase of mussels.
Subd. 1a.Handpicking required.
A person may only harvest mussels by handpicking.
[Repealed, 1993 c 269 s 32]
Subd. 6.Possession, sale, and transportation.
Mussels and clams may be possessed, bought, sold, and transported in any quantity during the open season and seven days after the season closes.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 57; 1993 c 269 s 28,29
Subdivision 1.Open seasons.
(a) The open season for taking mussels is from May 16 to the last day of February.
(b) The commissioner may by rule restrict the open season for taking mussels for commercial purposes.
Subd. 2.Closed areas.
The commissioner may close up to 50 percent of the mussel-producing waters of the state to the taking of mussels.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 58; 1993 c 269 s 30
A person must return undersized mussels to the water without injury.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 59; 1993 c 269 s 31
[Repealed, 1997 c 216 s 90; 1997 c 226 s 51]
Subd. 2.Commercial fish netting on Mississippi River.
(a) A license is required to commercially take rough fish with seines in the Mississippi River from the St. Croix River junction to St. Anthony Falls.
(b) A person may take rough fish in the Mississippi River, from the St. Croix River junction to St. Anthony Falls, only with the following equipment and methods:
(1) operations shall be conducted only in the flowing waters of the river and in tributary backwaters prescribed by the commissioner;
(2) seines may be used only as prescribed by this section and rules adopted by the commissioner;
(3) seines must be hauled to a landing immediately after being placed;
(4) two seines may not be joined together in the water; and
(5) a seine may not be landed between sunset and sunrise.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 60; 1997 c 216 s 90; 1997 c 226 s 41
1986 c 386 art 3 s 64; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 44; 2004 c 243 s 38; 2008 c 307 s 20
Subdivision 1.Promotion.
The commissioner shall promote and encourage taking rough fish from Lake of the Woods.
Subd. 2.Issuance of licenses.
The commissioner shall issue commercial fishing licenses to take rough fish on Lake of the Woods. The issuance of the commercial fishing licenses may not be restricted because a person holds other licenses under the game and fish laws or operates particular kinds of businesses.
1990 c 502 s 6
Subdivision 1.Lake whitefish and rough fish.
Lake whitefish and rough fish may be taken by licensed commercial fishing operators unless otherwise changed by rule of the commissioner, under section 97C.805, subdivision 1, from Namakan Lake and Sand Point Lake.
Subd. 2.Gill nets prohibited on Sand Point Lake.
Gill nets may not be used in Sand Point Lake.
Subd. 3.Maximum amount of nets in Sand Point Lake.
The maximum amount of nets permitted to be licensed in Sand Point Lake shall be 12 pound, fyke, or submerged trap nets.
Subd. 4.Maximum amount of nets in Namakan Lake.
The maximum amount of nets that may be licensed in Namakan Lake shall be (1) 7,000 feet of gill net, with a mesh not less than four inches stretch measure, and (2) 12 pound, fyke, or submerged trap nets.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 66; 1991 c 259 s 23
2007 c 131 art 1 s 54
A person with a commercial fishing license may list one person as an apprentice on the license. A person acting as an apprentice for a commercial fishing licensee must have an apprentice license. The commercial fishing licensee or the apprentice listed on the license must be present at all commercial fishing operations including going to and from fishing locations, or in setting or lifting nets, or removing fish from nets. A person possessing an angling license may assist the holder of a master's or apprentice license in going to and from fishing locations, or in setting or lifting nets, or removing fish from nets.
An apprentice license is transferable to another by the holder of a master's license applying to the commissioner.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 68; 1996 c 410 s 50
When commercial nets, seines, bags, or cribs are lawfully set and tended, incidentally taken fish not included in the license are not considered in possession if they are returned to the water or if they are tagged in accordance with section 97C.835 before they are placed on a motor vehicle or trailer for transport on land.
2002 c 270 s 9
(1) knowingly place or maintain an obstruction that will hinder, prevent, or interfere with a licensed commercial fishing operation;
(2) remove fish from nets licensed under the game and fish laws; or
(3) knowingly damage, disturb, or interfere with commercial fishing nets.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 69
A license to buy or sell fish or to take fish commercially in international waters extending from Pigeon Point West to the North Dakota boundary line may not be issued to a person engaged in the business of conducting a summer resort, or to a member of the person's household or to an employee of the person.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 70
The commissioner may, by rule, allow the transportation, sale, and disposal of fish taken within the Red Lake Indian Reservation on Upper Red Lake and Lower Red Lake and from waters within the Nett Lake Indian Reservation also known as Bois Forte Indian Reservation.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 71; 1991 c 259 s 23
A person may not sell fish with the use of a motor vehicle without a fish vendor's license.
Subd. 2.Misrepresentation of fish.
(a) A licensed fish vendor or the vendor's employee may not misrepresent a species of fish to be sold. If a licensed fish vendor or employee of the fish vendor is convicted of misrepresenting a species of fish that is sold, the license shall be revoked, and the licensee is not eligible to obtain a fish vendor's license for one year after revocation.
(b) Misrepresentation includes the designation of fish by a name other than its common name in:
(2) in the locality where it was taken if it is not generally known by any common name in the state.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 72
Subdivision 1.License required; records.
(a) A person engaged in a business providing services to a person taking fish may not prepare dressed game fish for shipment without a fish packer's license. The fish packer must maintain a permanent record of:
(1) the name, address, and license number of the shipper;
(2) the name and address of the consignee; and
(3) the number of each species and net weight of fish in the shipment.
(b) The records of the fish packer must be made available to an enforcement officer upon request.
The commissioner may adopt rules establishing requirements for labeling and packing fish under a fish packer's license. The commissioner shall require only the license number of the fish packer, the name and license number of the angler or person who lawfully possesses the fish, the name of the lake on which the fish were caught, the species of fish, and the number of fish to appear on a label. The commissioner must not allow sauger to be labeled as walleye.
1986 c 386 art 3 s 73; 1993 c 231 s 66; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 69
The commissioner may adopt rules, including record-keeping requirements, for taking, importing, buying, selling, possessing, and transporting crayfish.
1993 c 231 s 67