At the confluence of the St Croix, Border Water Rules take over.
From the DNR:
Thank you for your question regarding using a Dubuque Rig on portions of the Minnesota River where 2 lines have now been legalized. I completely understand the confusion with this recent change allowing 2 lines in sections of the Minnesota and Mississippi River. This does make it seem acceptable since it is similar to 2 lines.
However in Minnesota we regulate: The amount of lines we can use, and also on tackle configurations (See regulations below) on those lines.
As you can see, it wouldn’t be a violation of the amount of angling lines regulation (97C.315 s1), but would be in violation of our angling tackle restrictions regulation (6262.0100 s6) and hooks rule (97C.315 s2).
I do agree that this could be clarified better in our fishing synopsis booklet, and also reviewed to see if the angle tackle regulation could be modified to reflect this allowance of two lines in certain areas of the state.
97C.315 ANGLING LINES AND HOOKS.
Subdivision 1.Lines.
An angler may not use more than one line except:
(1) two lines may be used to take fish through the ice; and
(2) the commissioner may, by rule, authorize the use of two lines in areas designated by the commissioner in Lake Superior.
Subd. 2.Hooks.
An angler may not have more than one hook on a line, except:
(1) three artificial flies may be on a line used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, crappies, sunfish, and rock bass;
(2) a single artificial bait may contain more than one hook; and
(3) as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.
6262.0100 GENERAL RESTRICTIONS ON TAKING FISH
Subp. 6. Angling tackle.
A. An angler may have up to three single or multiple hooks on a line used as a single tackle configuration attached to the end of a fishing line. The total configuration from the first hook to the last hook must be nine inches or less. Live, artificial, preserved, or dead bait is allowed. This configuration is not considered an artificial bait or fly.
B. An angler may have one additional single or multiple hook on a line as part of an artificial bait as long as it is within three inches of the artificial bait.
C. Except for a single artificial bait or three artificial flies, an angling rig with more than one hook is not allowed on designated trout streams and lakes.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, thanks.
Major Robert Gorecki
Operations Manager | Enforcement Division
