Minnesota Legislature Delivers Wins for Sportfishing Industry and Recreational Anglers

Last month, Governor Tim Walz signed several budget and omnibus bills into law, marking the end of Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session. Despite both chambers operating with slim majorities, and at times even ties, lawmakers delivered several policy wins benefiting anglers and the recreational fishing industry.

Lead Tackle Ban Defeated

ASA’s top legislative priority this session was opposing legislation that would enact sweeping bans on lead sinkers and jigs. HF 1387, HF 2501, SF 1595 and SF 1812 mirrored legislation from previous sessions, banning the sale and use of lead sinkers weighing one ounce or less, and jigs measuring 2.5 inches or less – effectively restricting most traditional tackle. Unlike similar restrictions on the use of sinkers and jigs implemented in New England states, these bills would also prohibit the manufacturing of this tackle, directly impacting Minnesota businesses.

These bills, lacking adequate scientific justification and input from the recreational fishing community, were fortunately left out of the final Environment and Finance Policy bills sent to the Governor’s desk. This legislation will carry over into the 2026 session, however, and ASA will continue to work to protect the sportfishing industry and anglers’ access to affordable tackle.

Year-Round Bass Season Becomes Law

In another win, the Environment Omnibus bill included language creating a continuous catch-and-release bass season. Previously closed from February through early May, the bass season was tied to the state’s fishing opener for walleye, sauger and northern pike. The Minnesota DNR supported this provision, finding both limited potential impacts to bass populations, and rising interest in bass fishing as populations have strengthened throughout the state.

Since Minnesota was the only state with a closed season for black bass as a standard regulation, the continuous season will open new opportunities for anglers to enjoy ice-out fishing. ASA joined MN-FISH, the Minnesota sportfishing coalition, and boating and fishing industry partners to support the provision.

Aquatic Invasive Species Funding and Watercraft Fees

ASA joined a broad coalition opposing Governor Walz’s proposed cuts to the County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid program. The program has supported public outreach and education campaigns, watercraft cleaning stations and early detection and rapid response efforts to prevent and control the spread of AIS like zebra mussels. The Governor’s budget proposed to replace cuts in general funds to the program by increasing watercraft and boat registration fees. The final budget bill avoided cutting the program. However, the tiered watercraft fee increases remained in the final budget bill and will replace the current flat fee of $10.60.

Changes to PFAS Reporting Laws

In 2023, Minnesota passed sweeping legislation creating several new regulations mandating reporting on products containing PFAS while scheduling timelines to phase out these chemicals across various consumer product categories.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, tasked with administering these reporting requirements, announced a proposed rule to finalize a reporting and fee process requiring manufacturers to disclose all products containing intentionally added PFAS. While the January 1, 2026 deadline remains in place, the MPCA indicated it would delay its reporting deadline, and would provide more information on a revised deadline in the near future.

Looking Ahead

As the legislature adjourns for the remainder of 2025, ASA thanks our Minnesota partners, members and legislative champions for their commitment to defending access, advancing conservation and ensuring anglers have a voice in the State Capitol. Looking to 2026, ASA will continue to work across the aisle in St. Paul to support Minnesota’s sportfishing industry which contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy.