In an effort to gather public input on proposed regulations to expand Michigan's bass fishing seasons, the DNR has announced an online survey and public meetings throughout the state in July. For the past year the DNR's Fisheries Division has been working with the Warmwater Resources Steering Committee (a public advisory group) to discuss possible expansion of bass seasons.
The regulation expansion options being discussed would increase fishing and harvest seasons. Under all options, bass populations would still be protected and include a winter no-harvest season, 14-inch minimum size limit and daily possession limit.
To gauge public opinion, both anglers and non-anglers (particularly lake property owners) are encouraged to complete the DNR's bass regulations survey, available here www.surveymonkey.com/s/BassRegs.
The goal of this survey is to determine the level of support for increasing angling opportunities for largemouth and smallmouth bass throughchanges to existing fishing seasons.
Additional public input will be gathered via a series of public meetings. The southwest Michigan meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Oshtemo Branch Library, 7265 W. Main St., in Kalamazoo.
A random selection of licensed anglers also will receive a survey in the mail.