(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game fish, goldfish, or carp for bait. Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (d), the commissioner may adopt rules to authorize the use of game fish eggs as bait in Lake Superior and its tributaries below the posted boundaries and prescribe restrictions on their use.

(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present: (1) unless the bait has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner; or (2) except as provided in paragraph (c). For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for taking wild animals in waters of the state.

(c) Cisco and rainbow smelt taken under rules adopted by the commissioner may be used as:

(1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or

(2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.

(d) To ensure that frozen or dead fish being brought into the state are not in violation of paragraph (b), the following paperwork must accompany the shipment. Documents must be open for inspection by the commissioner at any reasonable time. All documents must be available to purchasers of these bait items. Each container or package of frozen or dead fish must have the following information:

(1) water body source;

(2) lot number;

(3) company contact including name, phone, and address;

(4) date of packaging and labeling; and

(5) valid negative fish health certification from the source water body.

History: 1986 c 386 art 3 s 30; 2008 c 307 s 14; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 61; 2012 c 272 s 26; 2013 c 121 s 46