Minn. R., Part 6266.0300 - [Effective 1/1/2026] 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:

A. Bois de Sioux River; and

B. Red River of the North.

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, and white (striped) bass	Continuous.	No limit.
L.	Muskellunge	Continuous.	1; 50-inch minimum size limit.
M.	Longnose and shortnose gar	Continuous.	10 in aggregate.

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. The possession limit for longnose and shortnose gar is ten in aggregate. For all other species listed in this subpart, there is no possession limit. 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. Use of 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 of 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 F.

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

B. Carp, buffalo, sheepshead, suckers, redhorse, and bowfin may be taken with a spear 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. 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.

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

Notes

Minn. R., Part 6266.0300

18 SR 83; 19 SR 2222; 20 SR 2287; 24 SR 1849; 32 SR 1039; 37 SR 1664; 39 SR 822 47 SR 849 49 SR 5, exp. 1/1/2026 (Emergency)

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