SF1551 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Anglers with a walleye stamp validation to use additional lines authorization
Related bill: HF624
AI Generated Summary
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
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2025 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 17, 2025 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A walleye stamp validation may use two lines to take fish in open water.",
"A walleye stamp validation may use four lines to take fish through the ice."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.315, subdivision 1, relating to fishing lines, to allow a person with a walleye stamp validation to use two lines in open water and four lines to take fish through the ice, in addition to existing line allowances and designated-area rules.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies and expands line allowances for holders of a walleye stamp validation within the current framework of subdivision 1 (e.g., existing allowances for ice fishing and designated areas)."
]
},
"citation": "97C.315",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee