Minnesota Bass Catch-Release Season

The new year-round bass season on Minnesota's inland waters officially began on February 23, 2026, eliminating the previous closure that followed the harvest season. This change allows anglers to target largemouth and smallmouth bass on a catch-and-release basis outside of the traditional harvest period, which remains unchanged. This regulatory change was driven by strong angler demand and scientific data. A 2023 survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found that 91% of 3,041 respondents supported or strongly supported the extended season. The decision also received support from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. State fisheries experts say there is no biological evidence that catch-and-release angling harms bass populations during the pre-spawn period. Bass in Minnesota typically spawn in late May, later than many other game fish, and the DNR has determined that the thriving bass populations can sustain a year-round catch-and-release season. For anglers preparing for spring, the pre-spawn period is a key time to target bass as they move to shallower waters and feed aggressively. Effective tactics include using lures that cover a lot of water and create movement, such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jerkbaits, particularly around staging areas like submerged structures, rocky points, and weed lines. To overcome the mid-winter panfish slump, anglers are advised to move away from shallow vegetation that may have collapsed and search for fish in deeper water. Success often comes from downsizing presentations with smaller jigs and baits, and paying close attention to electronics to locate schools of fish that are often tightly grouped. Being quiet and drilling multiple holes before starting to fish can also prevent spooking skittish mid-winter panfish.