Native rough fish management

What is the rule about?
The Minesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing a rule change that would update management practices for native rough fish.
What will this rulemaking do?
The proposed rule would amend Minnesota’s regulations on native rough fish populations.

  1. Modifies “rough fish” to “native rough fish” and differentiates between native rough fish and common carp to align with Minnesota Statutes 97A.015.

  2. Updates rules to note that structural practices to hinder the migration of native rough fish species is no longer appropriate or desired.

  3. Clarifies that restitution for violating game and fish law associated with minnow possession applies to Catostomidae (Sucker family) less than 12 inches in length.

  4. Excludes bowfin from the commercial species list and from commercial harvest.

  5. Removes the limits prescribed for native rough fish in Minnesota Rule Part 6262.0650. A separate, simultaneous rule change would prescribe limits for native rough fish in Minnesota Rule 6262.0200.

  6. Clarifies that native rough fish and common carp taken by angling or dip netting may be returned to the water. Only native rough fish and common carp taken by spear, harpoon or archery cannot be returned to the water.

Who might be affected by these rule changes?

  • Individuals who pursue native rough fish and common carp in inland waters of Minnesota.

  • Commercial fishermen in Minnesota.

  • Fishing and conservation groups concerned about native rough fish management.

  • Individuals or groups with whom native rough fish may have cultural significance.

Where do I send my comments?
You have until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to submit your comments. Email comments must be submitted to [email protected]. Please mention “Native Rough Fish Management” in the subject line or body of your correspondence. Comments provided in writing by mail or by telephone may be submitted to the DNR contact person listed below.

You may request a hearing on these rules. If at least 50 persons submit a valid request for a hearing and a sufficient number do not withdraw their requests (reducing the number below 50), then a public hearing will be held before an administrative law judge. The Notice of Intent to Adopt Expedited Rules tells you how to submit a request for hearing to the DNR contact person.

Public data. All public comments received by the DNR and all information within the comments are public data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.03, subdivision 1. Public comments, including names and addresses, become part of the public record upon receipt by the DNR.

Where can I get more information?
More information is available in the document links below.

If you want a free copy of the proposed rules, call or email the DNR contact person listed below.

DNR contact person
John Dunn, Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Fish and Wildlife Division
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 259-5235
[email protected]

Back to top