Larger bullhead legal as bait

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Larger bullhead legal as bait
(Released August 16, 2010)


Anglers can use bullheads up to 10 inches long as live bait, however thebaitfish cannot be transported north of Minnesota Highway 210, according to a rule change adopted by the Minnesota Department of Resources (DNR).

The new rule, which went into effect Aug. 9, allows catfish anglers to use larger bullheads as bait yet helps prevent non-native bullhead populations from establishing themselves in additional northern Minnesota lakes.

The previous rule allowed anglers to use bullheads up to seven inches long as bait, which could be captured from noninfested waters via dip net, angling or noncommercial seine and transported anywhere in Minnesota.

Bullheads live in some northern Minnesota lakes, but they are not a native species. The old rule allowing transport north of Minnesota Highway 210 increased the possibility that non-native bullhead populations could be established in additional lakes.

The new rule allows bullheads to be taken using dip nets, noncommerical seines and angling by a person with a valid fishing license. Any fish taken are considered part of the angler’s possession limit, and water must be exchanged before transporting live fish when exiting designated infested waters per invasive species laws.

An additional rule change allows live transportation and possession of white suckers 12 inches and longer for up to 96 hours. People possessing and transporting the fish are required to purchase such fish from a licensed commercial vendor and retain a receipt showing the date and time of purchase.