MN-FISH Coalition 501(C)(4):
Advocating for Minnesota’s Anglers

Minnesota’s anglers deserve more than a voice—they deserve action. That’s where the MN-FISH Coalition leads the way.

We turn angler concerns into real change, advocating for policies that protect our lakes, improve public access, and preserve Minnesota’s fishing traditions. From funding boat ramps and shorelines to shaping fishing laws, MN-FISH Coalition brings anglers' priorities directly to lawmakers.

Fishing laws and funding decisions are being made every day. The MN-FISH Coalition makes sure your voice is heard where it matters most - in the Capitol, in policy discussions, and in decisions that shape our waters.

Join the Fight. Protect the Future of Minnesota Fishing.

Join the Fight – Get Involved

Why Legislative Action Matters

Fishing in Minnesota depends on more than tradition, it depends on smart laws, strong funding, and the voices of anglers, guides, and the entire fishing industry that relies on healthy lakes and vibrant fisheries. From how lakes are cared for to where you’re allowed to fish, legislative decisions shape the future of our waters every day.

That’s why the MN-FISH Coalition works tirelessly to:

Advance Fishing-Friendly Policies

We advocate for laws that support Minnesota’s anglers, outdoor businesses, and ensuring access, opportunity, and sustainability.

Secure Funding for Public Water Access

We fight for investments in boat ramps, shorelines, and infrastructure that keep our lakes open and accessible to all.

Protect Fish Populations

We support science-based rules that maintain healthy fish populations, restore habitats, and promote responsible fishing practices.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is taking place with a group of people standing behind it.

See Our Legislative Priorities

What the MN-FISH Coalition Has Accomplished

2026 Legislative Wins:

St. Paul Fish Hatchery Rebuild

$3 million for siting and engineering

Public Water Access

$(waiting for a number from DNR) bonding for reconstruction of existing PWA's

Leech Lake Muskie Survivability study

2nd of 3 year study developed with Bemidji State U, MN DNR and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, to improve muskie management statewide

Ongoing Efforts:

We’re working to get more state money to improve fishing areas and protect our lakes and rivers.

We stand against rules that make it harder for people to fish in public waters.

We team up with the DNR and lawmakers to create better rules for managing fish and fishing in Minnesota.

Recent Wins:

New Shore Fishing Access Points Funded

More locations for anglers without boats.

Youth Fishing Programs Expanded

Teaching kids and families how to fish responsibly.

Fish Hatchery Upgrades Secured

Improving Minnesota’s fish stocking capabilities.

Ongoing Projects:

Funding habitat restoration initiatives to ensure sustainable fish populations.

Improving public fishing infrastructure, including piers and ramps.

Expanding community fishing programs to increase angler participation.

See Our Impact

See PWA Projects

See Muskie Study

How We Make an Impact

The MN-FISH Coalition doesn’t just talk—we take real action. We work with lawmakers, fishing leaders, and conservation experts to make a difference.

Here’s how we help create change:

Identify Key Issues

We talk with anglers and fishing experts to figure out the biggest problems facing Minnesota fishing.

Develop Policy Solutions

We team up with experts to come up with smart, science-based ideas that the fishing community supports.

Work with Legislators

We share these ideas with state leaders and ask them to support rules that help Minnesota’s fishing community.

Keep Anglers Informed

We keep our supporters informed about important law changes and let them know how they can get involved.

Legislative Priorities - Protecting the Future of Minnesota Fishing

The MN-FISH Coalition brings an angler's voice to state leaders to get funding, make it easier to go fishing, and protect Minnesota’s fishing way of life. We focus on keeping fish populations healthy, making sure everyone can access the water, and supporting laws that help anglers across the state.

2026 Legislative Priorities - (2027 Legislative Priorities Under Development!)

3 million to begin the planning and reconstruction of the 125 year old St. Paul Hatchery

Our vision? Minnesota builds a state-of-the-art facility, open to the public, where school kids can learn about fish, while also offering DNR a world-class fish research laboratory.

Continuation of repair and rebuilding of our Public Water Access systems

There are approximately 3000 public water access either owned or managed by the MN DNR with a lifespan of only 20 years.

Shore Fishing Opportunities

Most anglers do not own their own boat. Fishing from shore or a pier for some is the only way they can go fishing.

Aquatic Invasive Species Management

Both plants and invertebrates are causing substantial harm to our lakes, now we are concerned about what chemicals we allow to be used to control them and their impacts on fish health and fish habitat.

MN-FISH Coalition 501(C)(4):Advocating for Minnesota’s Anglers