Minnesotans who raise golden shiner minnows now have additional help

Minnesotans raising golden shiner minnows for baitfishing now have a new state-backed guide aimed at improving production. After a three-year demonstration project, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Minnesota Sea Grant and Central Lakes College, published “A Guide for Increasing Production of Golden Shiner for Use as Bait in Minnesota.” It consolidates findings and provides practical direction on raising minnows in state waters. The DNR tested methods used in Arkansas, spawning earlier (late February/early March) and stocking fry in ways that can speed growth by “two to three month” compared with typical local timelines. The guide covers system design, stocking rates, feeding, water quality, growth, survival, and production lessons. Because importing baitfish is prohibited to prevent aquatic invasive species, diseases, and pathogens, the state wants to boost in-state supply to match angler demand.