Lake Minnetonka Cities Take New Look at Bow Fishing Restrictions

by James Warden

Bow fishing enthusiasts could soon have an easier time participating in their sport on Lake Minnetonka.

The Minnetonka City Council on Monday plans to introduce an ordinance that would allow bow fishing on the lake.

The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District recently approved an ordinance that allows bow fishing on the lake. However, Minnetonka’s current rules are different.

The city code bans the use of “dangerous weapons” within the city unless a police chief issues a permit. Not many people seek such a permit. The chief issued just three in 2008, two in 2009, one in 2010, two in 2011 and none in 2012 and 2013.

The only exception to the permit is for licensed peace officers and people acting in self-defense or the defense of others.

In addition, Deephaven, Minnetonka and Victoria all have bow fishing ordinances that are more restrictive than state law.

The conservation district ordinance aims to create one consistent set of rules for all of Lake Minnetonka—which would make it easier for people to understand what is allowed and easier for the sheriff’s water patrol to enforce.

The proposed Minnetonka ordinance would allow bow fishing without a city permit as long as it’s done in compliance with the conservation district rules.

State law set the following limits for bow fishing:

• Bow fishing is only allowed for “rough fish” such as carp.
• The season lasts May 1 through the last Sunday in February.
• Possession of bow and arrows is allowed within 100 feet of waters.
• People must take “reasonable measures” to retrieve arrows and wounded fish.
• Rough fish can’t be rturned to the water or left on the banks.
• Fishermen can’t shoot arrows within 150 feet of an occupied building or within 300 feet of a campsite at night.

In addition, the conservation district ordinance adds further restrictions:

• Bow fishing is not allow from a half hour after sunset until sunrise.
• The season only lasts from May 1 through Nov. 14.
• Bow fishing is banned on summer weekends and public holidays in certain designated areas of the lake.
• There are more limitation on the disposal of fish.