This rulemaking will create a year-round continuous bass season. Portions of the continuous season will be catch-and-release only, while other portions will allow for bass harvest.
- What will this rulemaking will do?
The proposed expedited rules will adjust the inland waters fishing regulations by creating a year-round continuous bass season. Portions of the continuous season will be catch-and-release only, while other portions will allow for bass harvest. All the current harvest and catch-and-release only bass season periods will remain in place. The current closed season periods will transition to an open catch-and-release season, thereby creating a year-round bass season.
- Who might be affected by these rule changes?
- Individuals who fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass in inland waters of Minnesota.
- Businesses that provide services and products to bass anglers.
- Where do I send my comments?
You have until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, to submit comments to the DNR contact person listed below. Please mention Bass Season Rules in the subject or body of your correspondence.
You may request a hearing on these rules. If at least 50 persons submit a valid request for a hearing and a sufficient number do not withdraw their requests (reducing the number below 50), then a public hearing will be held before an administrative law judge. The Notice of Intent to Adopt Expedited Rules tells you how to submit a request for hearing to the DNR contact person.
- Where can I get more information?
If you want a free copy of the proposed rules, call or email the DNR contact person listed below.
- DNR contact person
Shannon Fisher
Fisheries Populations Monitoring and Regulations Manager
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Section of Fisheries
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
651-259-52066
[email protected]