Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Is bowfishing carp in Lake Minnetonka legal???

walleyepro

By walleyepro
in Bowfishing/Spearing

 Share

Recommended Posts

walleyepro Contributor

walleyepro

Posted
Posted

I was just reading a post in the open water forum and someone said that since minnetonka is a muskie designated lake that bowfishing is illegal.

I've bowfished on tonka for years, and as a result of many lake homeowners not knowing why some guy had a bow off their dock, had the pleasure of talking to a few COs along the way too. Never had one tell me i can't shoot carp on tonka.

Anyone know for sure?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jameson Grand Master

Jameson

Posted
Posted

I don't know if it's legal, but your own experience tells me it is.

...since minnetonka is a muskie designated lake that bowfishing is illegal....

This is hogwash. Might be illegal for other reasons, but not that one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
carpshooter Enthusiast

carpshooter

Posted
Posted

From what I heard it is illegal because most of the lake is within a county that has a ordinance about discharging weapon. I think there are a couple bays that are leagle to bowfish on the far west side. Its too bad, i hear there are some monster carp in there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PostFrontal Community Regular

PostFrontal

Posted
Posted

We have been bowfishing for quite a few years out there and talked to the DNR before we did. It is legal to bowfish on Tonka as long as you are doing it from a boat (on the water of course). If you are doing it from land then you are in violation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TylerS Mentor

TylerS

Posted
Posted

I bowfished Tonka in high school. There were some HOGS in there! Had a tough time finding bays with little boat traffic, though. Would be a good lake to hit up during the week when everyone is at work...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PostFrontal Community Regular

PostFrontal

Posted
Posted

We only go maybe once year, if at all now. So I've got an awesome spot that if you have a sunny day with little wind you could spend all day there flinging arrows if you wanted to. Some years it's like the 4th of July with so many carp in there jumping. Let me know if anyone is interested. I'm more than happy to share the spot...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
King_Fisher Explorer

King_Fisher

Posted
Posted

I called the Minnetonka DNR last year and asked if it was legal to bowfish for carp on Tonka, and they told me it is NOT legal. They said it has to do with discharging a "weapon" within the city ordinance. I would love for someone to be able to prove me wrong but thats what I heard.

Otherwise I would love to find out where your honey hole is! I would even take you if we can prove that it's legal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Meat-Run Veteran

Meat-Run

Posted
Posted

King Fisher,

I would disagree with who ever you spoke with regarding "discharging a weapon" (they don't know the difference)!? A bow doesn't discharge or explode like a gun and city/townships have it details out as a discharge but not harpooning or use of bow an arrow. I would have them show you in print regarding true specs because you can use your bow to "take or harvest" rough fish if that particular lake isn't a designated muskie lake and which I think Tonka is not a designated muskie lake even though it has planted muskies in it. It's a false statement that any lake with muskies or planted muskies are off limits. Check with the St.Paul office and see for yourself. Good Luck and harpoon away!!!!

mr

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jerkin'm Mentor

jerkin'm

Posted
Posted

I know for a FACT it is considered discharging a firearm on the West end of tonka...I had to go to court and pay the $50 fine. I certainly would advise against shooting a bow on tonka..from personal in court/ticket experience.. grin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now ↓↓↓ or ask your question and then register. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Wanderer
      Random Daily Pics

      By Wanderer · Posted

      Aw, man, sorry to hear that.  Shed some tears and remember her well.  They all take a piece of our hearts with them; some more than others.
    • Mike89
      Random Daily Pics

      By Mike89 · Posted

      yes sorry for your loss..  our dogs are always special...
    • smurfy
      Random Daily Pics

      By smurfy · Posted

      Truly sorry to hear that duffman! I know that feeling.  Keep the good memories  
    • Duffman
      Random Daily Pics

      By Duffman · Posted

      Chamois passed away this weekend a couple days short of her 13th bday. What a great dog to hang out with here at home and on distant adventures. Gonna miss ya big time my little big girl.
    • Crow Hunter
      New boat question

      By Crow Hunter · Posted

      Sounds pretty sweet, alright. I will check them out, thanks.
    • Wanderer
      New boat question

      By Wanderer · Posted

      If you really want to treat your wife (and yourself) with a remote operated trolling motor, the Minn Kota Ulterra is about easy as it gets.  Auto stow and deploy is pretty awesome.  You just have to turn the motor on when you go out and that the last time you have to touch it.   24V 80lb.  60 inch shaft is probably the right length for your boat.  They ain’t cheap - about $3k - but neither one of you would have to leave your seat to use it all day.
    • Crow Hunter
      New boat question

      By Crow Hunter · Posted

      Wanderer, thanks for your reply. I do intend for it to be 24 volt, with a thrust of 70-80. Spot lock is a must (my wife is looking forward to not being the anchor person any more).  With my old boat we did quite a lot of pulling shad raps and hot n tots, using the trolling motor. Unlikely that we will fish in whitecaps, did plenty of that when I was younger. I also need a wireless remote, not going back to a foot pedal. We do a fair amount of bobber fishing. I don't think I will bother with a depth finder on the trolling motor. I am leaning toward moving my Garmin depth finder from my old boat to the new one, just because I am so used to it and it works well for me. I am 70 years old and kinda set in my ways...
    • Wanderer
      New boat question

      By Wanderer · Posted

      Dang, new content and now answers.   First, congrats on the new boat!   My recommendation is to get the most thrust you can in 24V, assuming a boat that size isn’t running 36V.  80 might be tops?  I’m partial to MinnKota.     How do you plan to use the trolling motor is an important question too.     All weather or just nice weather?   Casting a lot or bait dragging?   Bobber or panfish fishing?   Spot lock?  Networked with depth finders?  What brand of depth finders?
    • smurfy
      Time for a smoke

      By smurfy · Posted

      Nords!
    • smurfy
      Time for a smoke

      By smurfy · Posted

  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept