The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.395, to establish a continuous open season for taking largemouth and smallmouth bass. This change is reflected in the legal language where the previous specification of open seasons for these species is deleted, and instead, they are included in a new provision that allows for a continuous season alongside other fish species such as sunfish, white crappie, and channel catfish.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing regulations for other fish species, including walleye and trout, which have specific open seasons as determined by the commissioner. The commissioner is also granted the authority to close fishing seasons in certain areas to protect spawning fish. Overall, this legislation aims to provide more flexibility for anglers targeting bass while ensuring the conservation of fish populations during critical spawning periods.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 97C.395