Minnesota DNR Proposes First-Ever Catch Limits and Protections for Native Rough Fish

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources could soon set daily catch limits and new protections for native rough fish across the state.

The proposed regulations would apply to bowfin, buffalo, carpsucker, freshwater drum, goldeye, mooneye, quillback, redhorses and suckers. Currently, most of these species have no harvest limits. Sucker and redhorse have unlimited limits for angling and a 50-fish limit for other methods.

“There is much we don’t know about native rough fish populations, but what we’re seeing is increased levels of angling and bowfishing interest and some evidence of population declines,” said Shannon Fisher, DNR fisheries populations monitoring and regulations manager. “The proposed limits for these fish are intended to prevent overharvest and help ensure population viability and sustainability for future generations.”

Under the proposed rules, bowfin would have a daily and possession limit of six fish. Buffalo species would be limited to five in a northern zone and 30 in a southern zone. Suckers, redhorses, carpsuckers and quillback would each have aggregate limits of 30 fish. Freshwater drum, mooneye and goldeye would also be limited to 30 fish in aggregate. Some species would also have minimum size requirements to allow for minnow harvest.

The initiative builds on legislation passed in 2024 that elevated the status of these fish by redefining them as “native rough fish” rather than simply “rough fish,” distinguishing them from common carp.

If approved by the DNR, the new rules would take effect on March 1st, 2027.

The department is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Comments can be submitted by email to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us with “native rough fish” in the subject line, by phone at 651-259-5235, or by mail to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

Additional information about the proposed rules is available on the DNR fisheries rulemaking webpage by clicking here.

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