Ask a Conservation Officer

[Lee Borgersen]

Q: I'm a Wisconsin resident with only a Wisconsin fishing license. Can I launch my boat from one of the Minnesota public boat launches (Boy Scout, Clyde Avenue) on the St. Louis River and still fish under my Wisconsin license, or would I need a Minnesota license?

A: Your home state license will suffice. Minnesota has a license reciprocity agreement, established in rule, with the surrounding states for angling on border waters. For the St. Louis River estuary along the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, this means that an angler has angling privileges for both sides of the river, regardless of where they launch, as long as they are licensed in their home state. Minnesota residents only need a Minnesota license, Wisconsin residents need a Wisconsin license, and residents of other states can angle under either license. Keep in mind that this is only for the St. Louis River and its adjoining bays; once you enter the Nemadji River or other independent bodies of water, you would be in that state's inland waters. Before angling, be sure to check each states regulation book, as there are some other rules that only apply on that state's territorial waters. For instance, on the Wisconsin side of the actual state line, an angler can fish with three lines while being restricted to two on the Minnesota side. Good luck.

[deadeye]

So, if I launch my boat on the Wisconsin side that doesn't require an inspection, can I fish on the Minnesota side that requires an inspection?

[Steve-o]

A: ... Before angling, be sure to check each states regulation book, as there are some other rules that only apply on that state's territorial waters. For instance, on the Wisconsin side of the actual state line, an angler can fish with three lines while being restricted to two on the Minnesota side.

How the heck to you enforce that on the St. Croix?

Being west of the imaginary center line of the river channel?