Anglers may be lamenting the end of walleye season, but fishing opportunities remain a little more open than in years past.
That’s because bass fishing is now open year-round.
The harvest season still closed Sunday, Feb. 22, but under new rules adopted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in January, you can still catch-and-release bass until the harvest reopens in late May.
In a news release, the DNR said since bass spawning peaks in late May — later in the year than some other species — there is no biological evidence that catch-and-release fishing poses a conservation issue for the fish.
“We’re improving bass fishing opportunities after hearing strong support from anglers for earlier bass fishing,” stated Eric Altena, Little Falls area fisheries supervisor, in the release. “Bass populations are thriving and have increased abundance and sizes, and compared with past decades, have broader geographic distribution in our state.”
The DNR said the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe was also supportive. The Leech Lake Band supported the change with the understanding that the DNR continues to monitor bass to ensure the move doesn't harm the population.
Other 2026 fishing regulations go into effect Sunday, including new rules for some lakes in Beltrami, Crow Wing and Itasca counties; updated language clarifying only one bait is allowed per line; and a new rule allowing up to three hooks within 18 inches on a single tackle configuration.
The new regulations book is available online or wherever fishing licenses are sold.
The DNR is also collecting feedback on the fishing, hunting and trapping regulation books.
“In the regulations book available now, anglers should check for what’s new before they head out fishing,” stated John Dunn, fisheries rules and regulations coordinator, in the release.
