Swedzinski proposes double the fishing fun

ST. PAUL – Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, has a way for anglers to have more success fishing regardless of whether the Minnesota DNR trims the walleye limit.

The DNR has proposed reducing the statewide daily and possession limit for walleye from six to four fish, effective March 1, 2027. The DNR has indicated this would combat pressure from advanced fishing technology, climate change, and invasive species. The rule maintains the current restriction of allowing only one walleye over 20 inches in possession.

Swedzinski said, whether the walleye limit is six or four, he’d like to see Minnesota licensing stamps that allow people to fish with two lines for all fish instead of the current one-line-per-person regulation. He authored H.F. 624 last year to make this happen and plans to continue pursuing this change in the 2026 session. He said revenue generated by the two-line stamps would go toward walleye stocking.

“If the DNR wants to go ahead and reduce the walleye limit, they can do that,” Swedzinski said. “That’s fine. The big question is whether this is about an amount of fish, or is it about catching fish? My bill would help more people have success on the water and come home happy.”

The DNR indicates the average age of anglers is increasing in Minnesota, with older age classes showing more stable participation compared to younger ones. Swedzinski said his bill would help Minnesota preserve its proud tradition as a haven for outdoors enthusiasts for future generations to enjoy even as people’s interests evolve in this era of technology.

“If we want younger people to put down their screens and fish in Minnesota, having success is huge,” Swedzinski said. “ Nothing gets you back on the water faster than the thrill of actually catching fish. It keeps you coming back for more.”

The DNR is accepting public comments on the proposal through March 5. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us for more.

The 2026 legislative session begins Feb. 17 in St. Paul.