As the Minnesota freshwater fishing season kicks off, Conservation Officers from across the state are gearing up to enforce the rules and regulations that govern fishing in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams. While many anglers are eager to hit the water and start reeling in some big catches, there are several common violations that can result in fines and penalties.
A Common Mistake: Forgetting to Buy a New Fishing License
- Failure to purchase a new fishing license is a common violation, especially during the spring season.
- License expiration dates are clearly marked, with the end of February marking the end of the license period.
- Many of these violations are unintentional, with anglers simply forgetting to get a new license.
Glen Schmitt, a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, notes that these types of violations can be avoided by making a few simple checks:
“Make sure you have a new fishing license before heading out on the water. It’s easy to forget, but it’s an important step in ensuring that you’re following the law and helping to conserve our state’s natural resources.”
Boat Violations
| Lack of Proper Life Jackets | Insufficient Life Jackets for Number of People on Board | Outdated Fire Extinguishers | Boat Registration Tabs |
Another common boat violation is the lack of proper life jackets on board. Anglers must have at least one life jacket for every person on the boat, and it must be Coast Guard-approved.
- It’s also important to ensure that you have an updated fire extinguisher on board, as well as boat registration tabs.
- These tabs are required for all boats operating in Minnesota, and they help to ensure that the boat is properly registered and in compliance with state regulations.
Fishing for Species Out of Season
Fishing for species that are out of season can result in fines and penalties. One common misconception is that you can fish for bass, northern pike, or walleye if you don’t keep them.
“That’s a misconception that Conservation Officers will catch on to,” says Schmitt. “We can ticket you for fishing for species that are out of season, even if you don’t keep them.”
Schmitt emphasizes that there are only two species that can be caught for personal use in Minnesota: crappies and bluegills.
Other Violations
- Garbage near shore or in the water is a violation.
- It’s more apparent during the ice fishing season, but Conservation Officers occasionally see these violations.
- Schmitt encourages people to never leave garbage behind and to pick it up and throw it away if they see it.
Conservation Officers like Schmitt are dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s natural resources and ensuring that anglers are following the rules.
