Catch-and-immediate-release bass fishing season opens April 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2012

Contact: Tami Pullen, 517-373-1230 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

 

 

Catch-and-immediate-release bass fishing season opens April 28

 

The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind anglers that although it has felt like summer on many days recently, the bass fishing season is not open yet. 

 

The catch-and-immediate-release bass fishing season will not open until Saturday, April 28, 2012. Michigan conservation officers have noticed an increase in anglers targeting bass illegally this spring, likely due to the warm weather Michigan has been experiencing. 

 

“Anglers need to be aware it is not legal to target largemouth or smallmouth bass prior to April 28,” warned the DNR’s Sgt. Robert Torres. “If anglers are seen deliberately targeting those species prior to April 28, they can be ticketed.”

 

Instead of targeting bass illegally, the DNR advises anglers to take advantage of the many other spring fishing opportunities available in Michigan.

 

“Fishing for panfish and steelhead are the two main fishing activities plentiful this time of year,” said DNR fisheries biologist Mark Tonello. “Anglers should pursue crappie and bluegill in particular, as April can offer some of the best panfishing of the entire year. Steelhead runs have also been very impressive this year, with many fish entering Michigan rivers during the warm, wet month of March.”

 

For more information on fishing for these species in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing and click on Angler Information.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.