Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 158 - Natural Resources Department
Chapter 6266 - BOUNDARY WATERS FISHING REGULATIONS
Part 6266.0400 - TAKING FISH ON MINNESOTA-SOUTH DAKOTA BOUNDARY WATERS

Universal Citation: MN Rules 6266.0400

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 13, September 23, 2024

Subpart 1. Specified waters.

The provisions of this part apply to all parts of the following named Minnesota-South Dakota boundary waters:

A. Lake Hendricks;

B. Big Stone Lake;

C. Lake Traverse;

D. Mud Lake;

E. Bois de Sioux River; and

F. Mustinka River from the mouth to the Minnesota State Highway 117 bridge.

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 Continuous. 4; with only one walleye over 20 inches.
B. Northern pike Continuous. 6
C. Small and large mouth bass Continuous. 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, and white (striped) bass Continuous. No limits.
L. Longnose and shortnose gar Continuous. 10 in aggregate.

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, and burbot may be taken by spearing and possessed without limit from May 1 through the last day in February between sunrise and sunset each day. Longnose and shortnose gar may be taken by spearing from May 1 through the last day in February between sunrise and sunset each day. The possession limit for all gar is ten in aggregate. 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 G.

A. Spearing season is November 15 to the last Sunday in February, inclusive, between sunrise and sunset.

B. Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, bowfin, and burbot may be taken by spearing and possessed without limit.

C. Longnose and shortnose gar may be taken with a spear. The possession limit for all gar is ten in aggregate.

D. Northern pike may be taken with a spear and the possession limit is three.

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. Possession includes personal possession and possession in a vehicle.

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. Use of 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. 9. [Repealed, 37 SR 1431]

Subp. 10. Taking of 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.

Subp. 13. [Repealed, 37 SR 1431]

Subp. 14. [Repealed, 28 SR 629]

Statutory Authority: MS s 97A.045; 97C.045; 97C.395; 97C.401

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Minnesota may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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