HF2661 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Three-line fishing in Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers allowed.
Related bill: SF2624
AI Generated Summary
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
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 24, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows up to two lines for taking fish through the ice in areas designated by the commissioner.",
"Allows up to three lines in the Mississippi River and the St. Croix River.",
"Designates specific areas where two lines may be used: Lake Superior; Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls Dam; and the Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.315, subdivision 1, to modify fishing line limits and authorize area-specific line allowances for fishing in selected rivers.",
"modified": [
"Amends the existing subdivision to reflect new line allowances and the commissioner's authority to designate areas for two-line use and three-line use."
]
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 1"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee