Link to DNR Survey For Public Input on Early Catch and Release Bass Season

Why not have a continuous catch and release season for walleye?

Probably because of tradition. It’s a revenue generating weekend that a lot of people only fish on opener and never again the rest of the season. It gets watered down if people are out weeks before getting pictures of big walleyes.

I don’t agree with this argument but I’m pretty sure it’s part of the equation.

The reality is there’s a big number of MN lakes where walleyes are stocked and can’t reproduce so there’s really not impact on those lakes.

I agree with the argument that bass really don’t need a closed season at all. Many times I’ve fished bass on spawning beds well after the traditional bass opener so I don’t see the argument for having a closed season at all.

It has taken longer than I thought it would for this state to consider the question after WI made the switch to catch and release instead of a closed season in 2020. Better late than never. Hopefully, this is on a timetable to be implemented next year.

Hey folks, the survey of anglers on the year-round catch and release for bass here in MN is still available and your input is needed.
https://engage.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries-public-input-wildlife-public-input/survey_tools/proposed-bass-catch-and-release-season
Please take the survey and share with others.
So far over 2,500 responses with 93% in favor of the extension. Even among anglers that say they are not bass anglers, there is over 73% support/strong support.

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