Minnesota DNR seeks input on year-round bass season proposal
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for input on new fishing rules that would allow for a year-round bass season that includes a period for harvest and a period for catch-and-release fishing.
The proposed expedited rules would adjust the inland waters fishing regulations by creating a year-round bass season. Portions of the year would be catch-and-release only while the other parts of the year would allow for bass harvest.
All the current harvest periods would remain the same, with catch-and-release-only bass season periods expanding to include periods that until now were closed to bass fishing. If enacted, the new rule would go into effect for the 2026 fishing season.
The Minnesota DNR is taking input on this proposal through Thursday, Oct. 23, and more information is available on the Minnesota DNR website. Input can be submitted to Shannon Fisher at [email protected] or 651-259-5206, or via U.S. mail to Bass Season Rules/Shannon Fisher, Box 20, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Hunter walking trails provide access to public hunting in northern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains hunter walking trails as easy ways to travel by foot through wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and other public hunting lands. Hunter walking trails wind through prime habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock, wild turkey and deer. There are more than 600 miles of hunter walking trails located throughout the northern half of the state. Many of the trails are gated, allowing foot traffic only.
Because not all hunter walking trails are listed on the hunter walking trail tool, hunters are encouraged to call area wildlife offices for more information about trails, as well as hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities and tips.
Fall turkey hunting begins soon
The Minnesota fall turkey hunting season offers hunters a challenge and another way to experience the outdoors. Fall turkey season is open Saturday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Hunters are allowed to take one turkey of either sex during the fall season. Fall turkey hunters may use a crossbow, bow or shotgun afield. Fall turkey licenses are available for purchase online, by calling 888-665-4236 or in person anywhere Minnesota DNR licenses are sold.
More information about fall turkey hunting is available on the Minnesota DNR website and in a recorded Minnesota DNR outdoor skills webinar.
Cisco and whitefish sport netting to open on northern lakes
Netting for harvesting cisco, also referred to as tullibee, and whitefish for personal use will be open this fall on designated lakes. Whitefish and cisco sport netting is open to Minnesota residents only. About 700 Minnesotans participate each year.
Netting schedules vary by lake and are based on expected water temperatures. As the water temperatures cool, game fish head to deeper water while cisco and whitefish come to shallow water for fall spawning.
Some lakes that are more susceptible to factors that impact water temperatures will open and close to netting with a 48-hour notice posted at lake accesses, other public places, and the DNR website. Other lakes are open to netting based on the set netting schedules listed on the DNR website.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows netting when there is little chance that fish other than cisco and whitefish will be caught. Game fish incidentally taken in nets must be returned to the water immediately.
Complete regulations, including designated lakes, netting schedules and requirements related to use of gear and invasive species, are available on the Minnesota DNR website.