02/20/2026
π£ BASS SEASON JUST CHANGED IN MINNESOTA
Starting March 1, 2026, bass fishing is open year-round in Minnesota.
Here's what you need to know:
What changed: The old closed season is now catch-and-release instead of a total ban. You can fish for bass every month of the year.
Catch-and-release only: March 1 - early May (NEW), plus other periods that vary by species and zone.
Harvest season: You can keep bass during the traditional harvest windows (roughly late May onward, varying by species and location). Limit is 6 combined largemouth and smallmouth.
Important: Many lakes have special rules. For example, Mille Lacs has a 3-bass limit with a 17" max size, and Mississippi River Pool 2 is catch-and-release only year-round for bass.
Season dates, harvest windows, and regulations vary by location and can change annually. Always verify current regulations at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/ before you fishβespecially when the 2026-2027 season regulations are released.
What you need: Valid 2026-27 Minnesota fishing license (available March 1st). Resident $25/year, Nonresident $51/year.
This change is backed by DNR science showing healthy bass populations.