I was wondering why there is two different bass openers in Minnesota. One is this weekend for the northern part of the state and the other is the 24th for the rest.

Maybe im wrong, But i believe its all the 24th

Yeah its all the 24th. This weekend is the walleye/pike opener for the whole state. 24th is bass for the whole state

There is a section of the state that is open this weekend for bass as well. North and east of U.S. Hwy. 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County

I know it is not much off the state but on page 13 of the regulation book it states that,

"May 10,2008-Feb.22,2009 north and east of U.S. Hwy. 5 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County"

well, guess there is some parts of MN that open this weekend!!

Im pretty sure ill save the gas money, and wait a few weeks!!

I could be wrong, but I always thought it was because they(DNR) wanted to make bass available to BWCA campers. Doesn't make much sense cuz the idea is to protect spawning bass. And if they wanted to give preferential to BWCA, why not make it BWCA only. The early season does open up quite a bit of bass water - Vermillion being the biggest. Strange rule. One lake we fish by Eveleth is closed, yet 5 miles away another is open. IMO, all bass should open for C&R with the walleye opener. Wisconsin bass is open right now, similar geography and their bass pop. seems fine.

rascal

Bass dont necessarily bite well on Vermilion early. They fire up in july then its on.

I'll be at pelican this weekend. You boys play nice.

I have spent the last two "walleye" openers on Vermillion fishing for bass and have had outstanding fishihng.
(grant it that it was much warmeer spring) All Largemouth. I think the smallies pick up later. Last year on Sunday the day after the walleye opener we C&R so many fish that I quit counting at 100 fish and our arms were tired from reeling them in. Most fish in the 2-3 lb range with an occassional 4+ and each year we were also able to pick up a few eyes too. I will not be fishing this opener but hope you all the best of luck and please be safe. Good Fishing!!

Isn't Vermillion still covered with ice????

It would make more sense for farther north to open later since i would imagine fish spawn later up north

I dont think that it has anything to do with sense... .If I had to guess, there is far less fishing pressure for bass in that part of the state. So the need for protection isn't as nessisary.

But why go out of their way to open a small section two weeks earlier? I dont get it

I would guess a group of resort owners lobbied of resort owners lobbied for it

Ive caught 2 largemouth bass in my entire life on Lake Vermilion. Reason being I only fish the Tower end. Like 2 different lakes (cook vs tower end).

Im speaking of smallmouths.