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HF 5111

Use of sonar when fishing for muskellunge or northern pike prohibited in certain waters.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roger Skraba

HF 5111 would ban using sonar while fishing for muskellunge or northern pike in certain waters, restricting gear use to protect fish and regulate angling practices.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 5111

Bill Summary – HF 5111 (2025-2026)

Jurisdiction: Minnesota
Title: Use of sonar when fishing for muskellunge or northern pike prohibited in certain waters
Session: 2025-2026
Status: Introduced; first reading and referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy (as of 2026-05-04)
Primary sponsor: (Co-sponsor) Roger Skraba

1) Purpose and Intent

HF 5111 proposes prohibiting the use of sonar equipment when fishing for muskellunge (muskie) or northern pike in specified waters. The overarching goal is to regulate fishing practices for these species, potentially to protect fish populations, ensure fair fishing opportunities, or address concerns about the impact of sonar on fish behavior and catch rates in targeted waters.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Prohibition Scope: The bill establishes a ban on the use of sonar devices while actively fishing for muskellunge or northern pike.
  • Target Species: Muskellunge (muskie) and northern pike.
  • Geographic/ Waterspecific Focus: The prohibition applies in “certain waters” identified by the bill. The exact bodies of water or criteria for designation would be specified in the enacted language or accompanying provisions, which are not included in the summary provided.
  • Enforcement and Compliance: The bill would create enforcement expectations consistent with Minnesota fishing regulations, including potential penalties for violators. Specifics on enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or exemptions would be detailed in the bill text.
  • Administrative Details: Potential coordination with wildlife agencies for designation of waters, rulemaking processes, and any necessary rulemaking timelines or phased implementation (if applicable). Not detailed in the summary provided.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Anglers Targeting Muskellunge or Northern Pike: Individuals fishing for these species in the designated waters would be prohibited from using sonar gear during active fishing.
  • Fisheries Management: Management of muskellunge and northern pike populations in the specified waters could be affected, including potential impacts on angler behavior and catch statistics.
  • Law Enforcement/Compliance: Game wardens and fishing regulators would enforce the sonar prohibition, issue warnings or penalties, and ensure compliance during fishing activities in the affected waters.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy in the 2025-2026 session (May 4, 2026).
  • Next Steps: The bill will move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes. If enacted, a timeline for implementation, including any effective dates, would be set forth in the bill’s final language.
  • Sponsor Information: The bill lists a co-sponsor, Roger Skraba, indicating bipartisan or cross-member support may accompany committee deliberations.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects the information available from the introduction and initial referral. The exact text will specify the waters affected, any exemptions (e.g., seasonal or permit-based allowances), penalties, enforcement details, and potential grandfathering or transitional provisions.
  • For a complete understanding, reviewing the full bill language, fiscal note (if any), and committee staff analyses will be essential.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the specific water bodies designated, penalties, and any exemptions once the detailed bill text is available.

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

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