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HF 2661

Three-line fishing in Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers allowed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Jacob

Allows a single angler to use three fishing lines simultaneously on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers in Minnesota, with regulators set to define rules.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
#fishandfishing #waters-rivers
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Bill Summary · HF 2661

Summary of HF 2661 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Title

Three-line fishing in the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers allowed.

Purpose and intent

HF 2661 proposes to authorize a fishing practice known as “three-line fishing” in two major Minnesota river systems—the Mississippi River and the St. Croix River. The bill's stated aim is to expand permissible fishing methods, potentially increasing recreational fishing opportunities and flexibility for anglers in these waterways.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization of three-line fishing: The bill explicitly allows the use of three fishing lines simultaneously by a single angler on the specified rivers.
  • Geographic scope: Applies to the Mississippi River and the St. Croix River within Minnesota state boundaries.
  • Regulatory alignment: The bill would amend existing fishing regulations to accommodate the new method, including any necessary definitions, restrictions, or enforcement provisions to ensure safe and responsible use.
  • Enforcement and compliance: Likely to include standard regulatory provisions concerning gear limits, seasons, bag limits, and any required permits or angler education, consistent with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversight.

Note: The exact text of the bill would provide precise definitions, exemptions, and any conditions (e.g., what constitutes a legal line, device requirements, or proximity to other anglers). The summary above focuses on the core policy shift: permitting three-line fishing on the two rivers.

Affected parties and impact

  • Anglers: Recreational fishermen on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers would gain the ability to use three lines at once, increasing fishing options and potential catch opportunities.
  • Wildlife and habitat: The change could have implications for fish populations and river ecosystems, depending on how the policy is implemented (e.g., any alterations to harvest limits, gear efficiency, or bycatch considerations). The bill would likely rely on existing DNR management frameworks to monitor impacts.
  • Regulators and law enforcement: DNR and river wardens would administer, monitor, and enforce the new practice, including education for anglers about the new method and ensuring compliance with related rules.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: March 24, 2025.
  • Committee reference: Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would pass through additional committees (likely-related environments, natural resources finance, or public safety) and potentially to the full House for debate, then to the Senate, and onto the governor for signature. Any amendments could alter scope or specifics, including enforcement details and safety considerations.

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated intention to authorize three-line fishing; the precise regulatory framework, limitations, penalties, and implementation timeline will be defined in the bill’s full text and any accompanying committee may modify it.
  • For stakeholders, monitoring the bill’s progress and any amendments will be important to understand practical effects, safety standards, and conservation considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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