Magnet Fishing Laws: A State-by-State Guide

Updated January 2026

Magnet fishing keeps growing in popularity across the United States—but so does the patchwork of rules you need to navigate. The good news: in most states, dropping a magnet in public water is perfectly legal. The tricky part is what happens when you pull something up.

This guide breaks down the legal landscape state by state. Use it as a solid starting point, but don't treat it as the final word. Before you actually head out:

• Check local ordinances and county rules. City and county regulations sometimes differ from state law—especially near historic districts or protected waterways.
• Verify state park or specific waterbody regulations. Some states flagged below as restrictive (South Carolina, Wisconsin, New York, and California) have location-specific rules that can surprise you. Call ahead or check the park's website.
• Know the artifact rules. Removing items over 50-100 years old from public waters is restricted in most states—even if magnet fishing itself is allowed.

At the federal level, three laws matter most:

• The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) makes it illegal to remove artifacts over 100 years old from federal and Native American lands without a permit. Fines and jail time are real possibilities.
• The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) protects cultural sites, including submerged artifacts. Some locations require you to report finds rather than keep them.
• The Clean Water Act and Rivers and Harbors Act regulate activities that disturb waterways. Not aimed at magnet fishing specifically, but removing hazardous materials or disturbing certain waters could create problems.

The Big Picture for 2026: South Carolina remains the only state that explicitly bans magnet fishing under the Underwater Antiquities Act—though a bill (H.4398) introduced in April 2025 could change that if it passes. Wisconsin requires permits for most waterways. Many New York and California state parks prohibit the hobby entirely. Everywhere else falls somewhere on a spectrum from "go ahead" to "be careful what you keep."



Laws change. This guide was last verified in January 2026, but always confirm current regulations with local authorities before you fish. Read the FAQs for common questions and see the disclaimer at the bottom.

State-by-State Magnet Fishing Laws

Alabama: In Alabama, there are no specific laws prohibiting magnet fishing, but general rules regarding trespassing and removing property from waterways must be followed; historical artifacts are defined as archaeological objects over 100 years old, and it is prohibited to remove artifacts from state waters. Learn where to magnet fish in Alabama.

Alaska: In Alaska, magnet fishing is permitted in public waterways, and artifacts predating European settlement are protected under state law. Learn where to magnet fish in Alaska.

Arizona: In Arizona, there are no specific magnet fishing laws, but it is allowed with permission on private property; "antiquities" refers to artifacts over 75 years old related to Native American history. Learn where to magnet fish in Arizona.

Arkansas: In Arkansas, magnet fishing is legal unless expressly prohibited, and historic artifacts are defined as those predating the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Learn where to magnet fish in Arkansas.

California: [Last updated August 20, 2025] In California, magnet fishing is allowed in navigable public waterways, but it is unlawful to remove artifacts of any age from state waters. Most California state parks prohibit magnet fishing due to archaeological protection regulations, and some parks require special permits for metal detecting activities. Always check with individual park rangers before magnet fishing in any state park location. Learn where to magnet fish in California.

Colorado: In Colorado, magnet fishing must avoid trespassing on private property, and archaeology refers to artifacts over 200 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Colorado.

Connecticut: In Connecticut, magnet fishing is allowed in public waterways, where historic artifacts are defined as those predating 1783. Learn where to magnet fish in Connecticut.

Delaware: In Delaware, there are no specific magnet fishing laws, but the state follows federal definitions regarding historic archaeological finds. Learn where to magnet fish in Delaware.

Florida: In Florida, magnet fishing is allowed in navigable state waters, and historic artifacts are defined as those over 50 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Florida.

Georgia: In Georgia, there are no laws prohibiting magnet fishing in public waterways, and the state protects artifacts predating European colonization. Learn where to magnet fish in Georgia.

Hawaii: In Hawaii, magnet fishing is generally allowed in public areas, and historic artifacts are defined as those predating 1778. Learn where to magnet fish in Hawaii.

Idaho: In Idaho, magnet fishing is permitted in public waterways, but it is unlawful to remove "antiquities" from public lands. Learn where to magnet fish in Idaho.

Illinois: In Illinois, magnet fishing is allowed except where prohibited by local laws, but there are restrictions on removing artifacts from rivers and lakes. Learn where to magnet fish in Illinois.

Indiana: In Indiana, magnet fishing is permitted in public waterways, where historic artifacts over 50 years old are protected. Learn where to magnet fish in Indiana.

Iowa: In Iowa, magnet fishing is allowed except where expressly prohibited, but the state prohibits removing undefined "cultural artifacts." Learn where to magnet fish in Iowa.

Kansas: In Kansas, magnet fishing is allowed except where prohibited, and the state protects archaeological sites from disturbance. Learn where to magnet fish in Kansas.

Kentucky: In Kentucky, there are no magnet fishing laws, but the state broadly protects pre-modern archaeological artifacts. Learn where to magnet fish in Kentucky.

Louisiana: In Louisiana, magnet fishing is generally allowed in public waterways, where artifacts over 100 years old are protected. Learn where to magnet fish in Louisiana.

Maine: In Maine, magnet fishing is permitted in great ponds and navigable rivers, and the state follows federal definitions for archaeological finds. Learn where to magnet fish in Maine.

Maryland: In Maryland, magnet fishing is allowed in public waterways, but it is unlawful to remove historic artifacts from state waters. Learn where to magnet fish in Maryland.

Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, permission is required for magnet fishing in inland waterways, and the state protects archaeological artifacts over 100 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Massachusetts.

Michigan: In Michigan, magnet fishing is allowed except where expressly prohibited, and the state protects artifacts over 100 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Michigan.

Minnesota: In Minnesota, magnet fishing is allowed except in protected areas, and the state defines archaeology as objects over 50 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Minnesota.

Mississippi: In Mississippi, there are no magnet fishing laws, but the state prohibits removing artifacts from public waters. Learn where to magnet fish in Mississippi.

Missouri: In Missouri, there are no magnet fishing laws, but the state defines historic artifacts as those over 100 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Missouri.

Montana: In Montana, magnet fishing is allowed with restrictions in certain waterways and protects archaeological finds over 100 years old. Learn where to magnet fish in Montana.

Check out our gear guides for the best magnet fishing magnet, best magnet fishing kit, and best grappling hooks.

This FAQ is updated regularly, but laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations with local authorities before magnet fishing in any new location. Last updated August 20, 2025.