Bass fishing: a highlight of spring
Spring is a great time to cast a line for bass. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are fun to catch, and they bite readily in spring and early summer when they spend more time in shallow water. Anglers in most of the state can keep bass starting Saturday, May 23.
In the summer, as water temperatures rise, many bass move to deeper water, around sunken points, rocky humps and the edges of aquatic plant beds.
Complete bass season dates and fishing regulations are available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations webpage. Learn more about how to fish for bass and other species at the DNR’s learn to fish webpage.
DNR wants lake, river property owners to know best practices when using hydraulic jets
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources frequently receives questions about devices that generate water current to blast muck and aquatic plants away from equipment. They have various trade names, and the DNR refers to these devices generically as hydraulic jets. Even though people can purchase these devices in Minnesota, they can’t be used in any way that disturbs the bottom of a waterbody or destroys plants. A person may legally operate a hydraulic jet if it is placed at the surface of the water in such a way that it does not disturb the bottom of the waterbody or destroy rooted aquatic plants. It should be directed slightly upward toward the water’s surface. This can prevent dead vegetation and duckweed from collecting around docks and boat lifts.
“We want people to know it’s their responsibility to protect aquatic plants,” said Shane McBride, DNR aquatic plant management consultant. “Plants are important to lakes and rivers because they help maintain water clarity, prevent erosion, stabilize the bottom of the waterbody, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Aquatic plants are protected under state law.”
Specific regulations govern aquatic plant removal and prescribe the situations that require permits from the DNR. Regulations and a guide to aquatic plants can be found on the Minnesota DNR website. To apply for an aquatic plant management permit, visit the Minnesota DNR’s permitting and reporting system.