Sturgeon tagging requirements and extra days of fishing for walleye, sauger, northern pike and several other game fish are among new regulations that will affect anglers in the near future in Minnesota.
Changes for the coming fishing season and a summary of all Minnesota fishing regulations are included in the 2006 Fishing Regulations handbook, available now wherever fishing and hunting licenses are sold. The 2006 fishing license year begins March 1.
"Anglers should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with new regulations and new opportunities before the 2006 season begins," said Linda Erickson-Eastwood, program manager for the Minnesota DNR fisheries management section.
"Details on Red Lake walleye fishing, new sturgeon regulations and information about exotic species are all available in this year's regulations book."
Anglers will have until Feb. 26 to pursue walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, due to a legislative change. It does not apply to spearing season, which closes Feb. 19.
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Anglers who wish to harvest and possess lake sturgeon are now required to tag the fish and complete a mail-in registration card. Tags are available for $5 wherever angling licenses are sold.
The following requirements apply to all lake sturgeon anglers, including those otherwise exempt from angling license requirements:
- lake sturgeon may not be possessed or transported without a tag, which must be immediately validated upon reducing the fish to possession.
- tag must be attached to the narrow portion of the body in front of the tail fin.
- tags must be attached so they cannot be easily removed.
- tags are not transferable -- no "party fishing" -- and no duplicate tags will be issued.
- registration cards must be completed and mailed within 48 hours after harvesting a fish.
- lake sturgeon must be transported intact (gills and internal organs may be removed).
