DNR accepting comments on new rules and limits for native rough fish

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking comment through Thursday, March 12, on proposed new limits of native rough fish.

Rough fish include bowfin, buffalo, carpsucker, freshwater drum, goldeye, mooneye, quillback, redhorses and suckers. In 2024, a new state statute elevated the status of rough fish by modifying their definition from “rough fish” to “native rough fish” and differentiating them from the invasive common carp.

“We are continuing efforts to conserve these important species,” stated Shannon Fisher, DNR fisheries populations monitoring and regulations manager. “Over the last handful of years, we’ve seen renewed appreciation for the role these fish play in aquatic ecosystems of our rivers and lakes.”

Under current rules, there are no limits for many of these rough fish for all methods of take: angling, bowfishing, spearing, harpooning and dip netting. The daily possession limit for sucker and redhorse is unlimited for angling and 50 each for other methods of take.

“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,” Fisher stated. “The proposed limits for these fish are intended to prevent overharvest and help ensure population viability and sustainability for future generations.”

If approved, the rules would go into effect for the 2027 open water fishing season.

The proposed limits are:

• bowfin, six;
• bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo in aggregate, five in a northern zone and 30 in a southern zone;
• suckers and redhorses in aggregate, 30;
• carpsuckers and quillback in aggregate, 30;
• freshwater drum, 30; and
• mooneye and goldeye in aggregate, 30.

There would also be a minimum size for some species limits to allow for minnow harvest.

More information about the proposed rules is on the DNR fisheries rulemaking webpage.

The Minnesota DNR is currently taking comment on the proposed rules. People can submit their comments on the proposals until 4:30 p.m. Thursday by:

• Email to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us. Include “native rough fish” in the subject line or body of the email. 
• Phone the Minnesota DNR at 651-259-5235.