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Commentary: Year-round bass fishing in Minnesota comes with responsibility

Year-round bass fishing is now a reality in Minnesota, but putting fish first means protecting fragile northern smallmouths through careful, responsible angling. (Photo by Eric Engbretson)

Minnesota anglers are lucky to have access to amazing smallmouth bass waters, but these lakes, while productive, are fragile.
They can’t handle heavy pressure during the spring spawn, when fish are guarding nests and reproduction is at its most vulnerable. Growing up, I remember yellow signs posted every spring reminding everyone to stay out of bass and crappie spawning areas – and for very good reason.

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