Well I wrote the DNR about the bait pail issue. Surprise they got back to me. Here's how it works.

Mark,

How this works in the boundary waters is just as you described below. Take the bait in the oxygen bag as far as you can, once you open the bag to start fishing or put in lake water you will have to exchange the water when you go to a new lake. Before you go into the new lake dump the old lake water out somewhere on land and exchange with the new lake water. This is info I received from enforcement and our invasive species program staff. Sorry for any confusion, but thanks for your concern. Good luck fishing.

From: Johnson, Gerald J (DNR)
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 1:42 PM
To: Vanderbosch, Neil (DNR)
Subject: FW: New Bait Pail Laws

JB

Thanks, JB!!!

i can see a live bait ban coming within 5 years.

quote kanoes: "i can see a live bait ban coming within 5 years."

That would be the next step...

Thanks for the clarification jb.

Beats having more invasives in our lakes!

I do have to give the DNR credit on usually getting back to people with questions like this. I have contacted them several times for various questions and they have always gotten back to me within a couple of days. Usually they differ the question to someone else in the Dept that is an expert on the topic I am asking about. MAny of their regulations can be confusing but it is nice that they take the time to answer questions.

quote arctic: "Beats having more invasives in our lakes!"

Realistically, it's the best way to slow down their spread.

quote arctic: "Beats having more invasives in our lakes!"

+1

Gulp leeches work great and are easier to carry. Go with them.

Thanks for asking for and posting that clarification JB. I have no problems compling with the new rule as clarified. Nothing beats a lively minnow in early Spring.

They are trying with so many invasive species this last few years. At least no anacondas snakes yet.

They are trying with so many invasive species this last few years. At least no anacondas snakes yet.

Thank you for the update JB. So I had a thought, would it remove invasives to use filtered water for them after they are removed from the oxygen bags? Maybe we need to start planting that seed with the DNR to leave it as an option instead of just an outright ban on live bait.

Neat idea, gsfisher! One more reason to carry a water filter.

What a goofy law .....