Legislative Funding Wins
MN-FISH Newsletter - May 2026
Big Wins for Minnesota Anglers: Legislature Funding $33 Million in Hatchery & Access Upgrades
It always seems to come down to the last minute, but late Sunday night the Minnesota legislature passed a $1.24 billion dollar bonding bill that includes MN-FISH’s number one priority, $3 million to start the process for replacing the dilapidated St. Paul Fish Hatchery, and $30 million for repair, renovation, and replacement of DNR’s capital assets, including public water accesses. How much of this $30 million will be used for accesses is unknown at this time.
“This is what happens when Minnesota anglers stand up and say ‘fix these problems,’” said MN-FISH Executive Director Mark Holsten. “For years we have been asking the legislature to rebuild our fish management infrastructure and crumbling boat ramps, and yesterday, they responded in a meaningful way. This is a big win for state anglers.”
For the past three years, MN-FISH has been actively lobbying legislators to replace the 130-year old St. Paul fish hatchery, a critical facility that raises walleye and muskie for stocking in key metro waters.
MN-FISH-led tours of the hatchery showed legislators first-hand that the dated facility relied on duct tape and chicken wire to stay operational.
MN-FISH would like to thank members of both the house and senate for their work in passing this bill including Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL) and Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R) as chief authors. Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL) and Sen. Karin Housley (R) helped greatly in securing this funding as well.
MN-FISH helped secure more the $33 million in state investment benefitting Minnesota anglers/boaters Sunday. Our top priority—replacing the 130-year-old St. Paul Fish Hatchery
Boat Access Upgrades
MN-FISH’s other priority this legislative session was continuing the restoration process of the state’s public water accesses, many of which are in poor condition.
In 2023, MN-FISH was successful in securing $98.1 million in legislative investment in hatcheries, public accesses and shore fishing opportunities yet it wasn’t enough to meet needs statewide. The bonding bill passed yesterday will help the state upgrade or rebuild public accesses across the state.
MN-FISH Making a Difference
Non-profit MN-FISH was founded in 2018 to give Minnesota’s anglers a strong voice in St. Paul. Your support helps us continue our work, both at the DNR and at the legislature.
