News Release Archives - Month Year
May 7, 2007
Baitfish Regulations, Import Restrictions Warrant a Look
North Dakota anglers should be aware of regulations regarding live baitfish, and restrictions on importing baitfish into North Dakota.
Fathead minnows, creek chubs, spottail shiners and sticklebacks are the only legal live baitfish that can be used in most North Dakota waters. The only exception for waters that allow live baitfish is the Red River, where white suckers may also be used. In addition, in 20 state waters it is illegal to use any live baitfish.
Anglers are urged to buy bait from a licensed retail bait vendor. Because it is sometimes hard to identify bait fish species due to their small size, bait vendors inspect bait and can properly identify the species.
Using game fish or parts of game fish as bait is illegal, except for perch eyes, and trout and salmon eggs.
Anglers should also note restrictions on importing live baitfish or other live bait into North Dakota. This includes minnows and other live baitfish, worms, night crawlers, wax worms, leeches and insects.
Anglers who want to import or bring live bait into the state must obtain a valid North Dakota bait vendor’s license. Otherwise, anglers must purchase all live bait in North Dakota. The purpose of this regulation, implemented in 2002, is to provide better control against unintentional introduction of aquatic nuisance species.
For more information anglers should refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide, available at license vendors or online at the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
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