SF3031

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a continuous open season for fishing certain fish species, specifically largemouth and smallmouth bass, in the state of Minnesota. The goal is to provide anglers with more opportunities to fish for these species throughout the year.

Main Provisions

• Continuous Open Season: The bill proposes that the fishing season for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass will no longer have specific start and end dates, allowing for fishing year-round.
• Other Species: The continuous open season also applies to other fish species including sunfish, crappies, channel catfish, and several others.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The existing law specifies a defined fishing season for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, starting two weeks before the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and ending on the last Sunday of February. This bill removes these restrictions, allowing fishing year-round for these species.
• The amendment affects Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.395, adjusting the open season dates for angling these specific fish.

Relevant Terms

continuous open season, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, angling regulations, Minnesota fishing laws, year-round fishing.