Public comment is being sought with a couple of proposed rule changes for the 2026 ice fishing season in Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR is looking at ways to reduce hooking mortality in fish, as well as reducing the amount of hooks being swallowed by fish. Here's what we know from the Minnesota DNR on these proposed changes.

According to the Minnesota DNR website, the proposed rule changes wouldn't take effect until 2026, but now it the time for the public to comment on these proposals. Here is what the DNR is looking at for 2026:

The rules propose increasing the maximum allowed distance between hooks in tackle configurations with multiple hooks from 9 to 18 inches. The rulemaking also allows for the use of certain automatic hook-setting devices for ice fishing that currently are not allowed and includes clarification of the definition of “hook.” These changes would allow anglers to use a wider range of commercially available products and be more practical for bait commonly used. The changes are anticipated to reduce the number of swallowed hooks and deep hook sets, thereby decreasing hooking mortality without posing a threat to conservation.

Get our free mobile app

Right now Minnesota anglers while fishing can have up to three single hooks or multi-prong hooks on their line, but the multi-hook setup can't be longer than 9". The first proposal would allow those fishing to space out the hooks up to 18", giving fishermen more line to work with.

Why have multiple hooks on your line?

Well, you'd want more hooks on your line as it gives you more chances at hooking a fish, and gives you a larger bait profile. Think about it this way, instead of having one hammer while playing whack a mole, you have two, one in each hand. You're essentially going to whack more mole when you have another hammer, with extra hooks you'll hopefully catch more fish.

The other proposed change involves setting the hook. Here's what you'll need to know about the automatic hook setting devices.

I found this on the Minnesota DNR website, and I thought it gave a good background on the automatic hook setting devices.

"These devices are triggered automatically when a set bait is hit by a fish. These devices are typically used with a "tip-up" type angling device and may reduce the number of swallowed hooks, reducing hooking mortality. No fisheries conservation threats attributed to this proposed modification have been identified. Use of these devices would be limited to angling through the ice. As is required with all tip-up use, the angler must be within 200 feet of the tip-up."

Minnesota is one of the few states that doesn't allow these devices, relying on the fishermen to set the hook, rather than a spring or other device.

If you'd like to make your comments known on these proposed changes, you can submit them to the MN DNR, here.