The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Board has approved a Special Event Permit authorizing nighttime bowfishing on Lake Minnetonka during a limited event period from April 25, 2026 through June 30, 2026.
New for this year: The permitted area has been expanded to include the entire lake, rather than being limited to four designated bays as in the previous year.
Bowfishing is allowed from one-half hour after sunset until 1:00 a.m. All participants are required to carry a valid Special Event Permit while engaged in this activity.
Permit Restrictions of Note:
- Allowed April 25, 2026 – June 30, 2026
- One half hour after sunset until 1am
- Special Event Permit must be carried by each participant, guidance on how to obtain this permit is referenced below
- Allowed on all areas of Lake Minnetonka
- Prohibited within 150′ of occupied structures
- Prohibited within 300′ of campsites
- Fish shall not be returned to the water or left on the banks of Lake Minnetonka, its channels, tributaries or wetland area
- Fish shall not be disposed of within 300′ of shoreline, except where remains are used as buried fertilizer by residents on the property
- Fish shall not be disposed of at any public access point. Containers marked for fish disposal at public launches may NOT be used for disposal during the bow fishing special event.
- Bow fishing with the assistance of lighting is limited to downward facing LED lights
- Total noise levels may not exceed 65 decibels on the “A” scale at a distance of 50′ from the boat
PRINTABLE PERMIT AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ONLY
How to obtain a Permit:
Parties interested in obtaining a Nighttime Bow Fishing Permit will be able to print it from the LMCD website or pick up a paper copy at the LMCD office located at, 5341 Maywood Rd, Mound MN 55364. A copy of the permit must accompany the person bow fishing as it serves as the physical authorization needed to permit the activity. Bow Fishing without a permit on your person is prohibited.