Minnesota DNR adds new catch-and-release bass season as part of 2026 regulation changes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fishing regulations for 2026 include a new catch-and-release season that makes fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass open all year on inland waters.

These changes for bass fishing and a variety of other new regulations are listed on pages 13-14 of the regulations book.

“We’re improving bass fishing opportunities after hearing strong support from anglers for earlier bass fishing,” said Eric Altena, Little Falls area fisheries supervisor. “Bass populations are thriving and have increased abundance and sizes, and compared with past decades, have broader geographic distribution in our state.”

Since bass spawning peaks in late May, which is later in the year than some other species, the DNR says there is no biological evidence that catch-and-release bass fishing poses a conservation issue for the fish.

Angler and Tribal support

In 2023, the DNR gauged public support for an extended bass season through a questionnaire. Of the 3,041 responses received, 91% of respondents either supported or strongly supported the proposal.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe were also supportive of the proposal. The Leech Lake Band was supportive of the regulation change with the understanding that the Minnesota DNR would continue to monitor bass populations to make sure additional angling opportunities do not harm bass populations.

RELATED STORY FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Public comments show year-round bass season is largely supported by Minnesota anglers

Bass fishing remains open

The harvest season dates for bass remain the same. Now, though, anglers are able to catch-and-release bass starting Feb. 23.

The rules that allow for the new catch-and-release bass season were adopted in January. While the DNR usually has new regulations go into effect March 1, the continuous bass season will begin as soon as the current season closes. Bass seasons will alternate between harvest seasons and catch-and-release seasons with no fishing closures. Anglers will need to follow separate regulations for border waters which are available in the fishing regulations on the Minnesota DNR website.

Other regulations changes

“In the regulations book available now, anglers should check for what’s new before they head out fishing,” said John Dunn, fisheries rules and regulations coordinator. “There are some updates for inland waters and border waters and also updates that apply to specific lakes and rivers.”

The new or updated regulations for 2026 include:

• There are new and modified regulations in effect for nine bodies of water located in Beltrami, Crow Wing, Itasca, Jackson, Martin, Morrison and Todd counties.  
• The season opener for stream trout harvest is now the second Saturday in April every year.
• The limit of one Atlantic salmon on Lake Superior has been removed. The limit is now five combined total for all salmon.
• The season closure date for brook trout and splake on Lake Superior and tributaries below posted boundaries is now Sept. 30.
• A new rule allows up to three hooks within 18 inches on a single tackle configuration.
• Updated language clarifies only one bait is allowed per line and stinger hooks are only allowed on artificial baits.
• Ice anglers may use nonmotorized hook setting devices.
• There is updated information on harvesting crayfish in infested waters and on labeling traps.
• There is no closed season for taking dead freshwater mussel shells.
• Inland portions of Mississippi River Pool 3 now conform with adjacent Wisconsin-Minnesota border waters regulations listed as “Mississippi River Pools 3-8 including Lake Pepin.”

The regulations book additionally includes Minnesota Department of Health fish consumption guidance based on information about known contaminants in Minnesota waterbodies.

“Fish are an important part of a nutritious, well-balanced diet and part of many traditions and cultures in Minnesota,” said Angela Preimesberger, the scientist who leads the Fish Consumption Guidance program at MDH. “Our fish consumption guidance can help you decide how much fish you can eat, depending on where you caught it, how old you are, whether you are or may become pregnant, and other factors.”

For the most up-to-date fish consumption guidance, visit MDH’s Fish Consumption Guidance webpage.

Anglers can find the 2026 fishing regulations book now on the Minnesota DNR website. Printed copies will be available by March 1 anywhere Minnesota fishing licenses are sold.