So in looking up the Saint Croix sturgeon season, I found that smallmouth bass has a catch and release season (statewide) from Sept. 9, 2013 – Feb. 23, 2014? What am I missing here, I have never heard of this. Is this a recent change? Has it always been this way? Am I misinterpreting it? I read it as smallmouth being closed to only C&R during that time.
That’s been in place for quite a while now.
On a lot of lakes the Smallies school up on off shore rock piles and reefs, and if you find them you’re pretty much on top of all of them. Guys were coming off the lake with stringers of 4-5 pound fish and that just isn’t going to work in the long run. The DNR came up with this C&R only Fall season to protect the Smallies when they’re vulnerable like this.
Rootski
They sure where schooling on the croix last weekend. Think we counted at least 8 following in one bass on the line. Had never heard of the catch and release season either. Not that I had ever planned on keeping one anyways.
never heard of it. never kept a smallmouth either though. Did you say STATEWIDE?
I was aware that this had been in place for a few years but I think few know about it. Have also heard the Lindners talk about it at seminars and on TV. My question is if it also applies to the new regulations on Mille Lacs and do fishermen there think they can still take their 6? I’m guessing many do..
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never heard of it. never kept a smallmouth either though. Did you say STATEWIDE?
From the 2013 Regs:
“Sept. 9th, 2013 to Feb. 23, 2014 Catch and Release only. Statewide”.
Been that way for quite a few years now. I’m surprised that people have missed this. I’d guess most people are releasing them anyway so for most Bass fishermen it doesn’t change anything. It’s right in the “Seasons and Limits” section of the regs.
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My question is if it also applies to the new regulations on Mille Lacs
The reg is statwide. Mille Lacs is included.
-J.
It’s been around atleast 6 or 7 years that I know of.
I think its been that way at least ten years. There is nothing more frustrating then catching a 4# smallie in a fall tournament and having to release it. I’m always surprised at the number of people who don’t know this rule, they should definetly post reminders at accesses on mille lacs or better post a C. O. At each access and start writing tickets.
Good thing that’s state wide because some lakes smallies school like there is no tomorrow in September and October.
When I fished B.A.S.S Divisional in 06 on the Alexander chain I caught a 20″+ SM on the second day and I had to release it,so it’s been in efect since then.
Stan 
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