When Can I Go Bass Fishing Near Me?

Almost everyone in the USA, has an opportunity to catch largemouth and/or smallmouth bass near them. But did you know the seasonal regulations of some states dictate when and how you can catch them? It’s important to know your local fishery’s rules so you can enjoy your bass fishing without getting into trouble with the law.

Memories of Fishing Season Openers

An angler holding a big bass at sunrise — I remember it always felt especially good to catch that first nice bass of the new open season. But I definitely prefer no off-season and the opportunity to catch bass any chance I get. | Photo by Craig Mazurek

I grew up trying to learn to fish in the upper midwest—northern Illinois, to be specific. While the area wasn’t entirely devoid of opportunities, it wasn’t exactly bass fishing central. When recounting my early fishing experiences, I’ve often joked, “I had to drive two hours to get to someplace that sucked.”

I quickly learned that heading north to Wisconsin and Minnesota were my best bet for finding water with abundant, eager bass. Unfortunately, they both posed other barriers to my fishing fun in the form of long, cold winters and even longer off-limits, bass fishing seasons. I can remember the frustration of April warm weather spells, just teasing me, because the season would still be closed for another four-to-six weeks. However, I must admit I remember feeling a good bit of excitement on opening morning every year.

A boat launch with a small amount of open water and lots of frozen solid ice lake. — I do also remember some Northern Wisconsin openers that looked like this. That's the last thing you want to see after a long Wisconsin winter of no bass fishing. | Photo by Kurt Mazurek

How Catch and Release Has Changed Fishing Regulations

A largemouth bass being released back into the pond where it was just caught. | Photo by Kurt Mazurek

In more recent years, the popularity of catch-and-release bass fishing has caused most states to re-think the need for closed bass fishing seasons, but not all states. At this time, it looks like Minnesota is the only holdout that still offers no legal bass fishing opportunities anywhere in the state from mid-February through mid-May. But it seem that is very close to changing for 2026. Keep an eye on Minnesota’s DNR site for official updates. The state of Maine also has a completely closed season in its northern zone from October 1st through March 31st, but the southern zone is open year round.

While most US states offer bass fishing without any seasonal conditions, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, have access to year-round bass fishing, but with some catch-and-release only seasons. That is a huge improvement over how it was not very long ago.

The Importance of Understanding All the Rules

low perspective in the water of a bass angler lifting a big bass out of the water. — Be sure you know exactly what rules need to be followed in the current season. Even if you have never kept a bass in your life, if you put it in your live well just for a minute to get your camera ready, and it's catch-and-release only season, you've broken the law. | Photo by Kurt Mazurek

But, even if you are aware of the proper dates for fishing, it’s important to be aware of the specific wording of catch-and release vs. harvest season rules. For example, even if your intent is to release a fish, if you put it in the live well to get your camera ready or find your scale, you may be in violation of the law.

Bass Season Rules by State (2025)

I’ll give you a quick summary of the states that aren't just open year-round, but again, please consult local and state fish and wildlife departments for specific variations.

Maine Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: Southern Zone year-round; Northern Zone Apr 1 – Sep 30
Catch-and-Release: No special C&R season; same dates as open/harvest season
Notes: Northern waters closed entirely to all fishing in winter including ice fishing
Click for All of Maine's Bass Fishing Rules

Maryland Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only First Day of March - June 15
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: This is specifically for non tidal fisheries
Click for All of Maryland's Bass Fishing Rules

Michigan Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: Possession opens May 24 (most) / Jun 21 (St. Clair–Detroit) – Dec 31
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: On L. Michigan, within 1/2 mile of Beaver Island Archipelago: Beaver, Garden, High and Hog, (Charlevoix Co.) possession season is July 1 - Dec. 31
Click for All of Michigan's Bass Fishing Rules

Minnesota Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: NE Zone 5/10/25 - 2/22/26; Outside NE Zone 5/24/25 - 9/7/25; Outside NE Zone (LMB Only) 9/8/25 - 2/22/26
Catch-and-Release: Outside NE Zone 5/10/25 - 5/23/25; Outside NE Zone (SMB Only) 9/8/25 - 2/22/26
Notes: Again, hopefully changing soon (check DNR listings)
Click for All of Minnesota's Bass Fishing Rules

New Hampshire Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only May 15 - June 15
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Always check current listings
Click for All of New Hampshire's Bass Fishing Rules

New Jersey Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only April 15 - June 15
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Some exceptions apply for Lunker Bass Lakes -check local listings
Click for All of New Jersey's Bass Fishing Rules

New York Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only December 1 - June 14
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Artificial lures only during catch and release
Click for All of New York's Bass Fishing Rules

Pennsylvania Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only April 12 - June 13
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Pennsylvania has a Big Bass Program with special restrictions for certain waters.
Click for All of Pennsylvania's Bass Fishing Rules

Vermont Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: No closed season; Catch & Release Only 2nd Sat. in June to March 15
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Special regulations may apply for Lake Champlain
Click for All of Vermont's Bass Fishing Rules

Wisconsin Bass Fishing Seasons

Open/Harvest: Northern Zone: (LMB Only) First Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March; Northern Zone: (SMB Only) Third Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March; Southern Zone: (all bass) First Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March
Catch-and-Release: Year-round
Notes: Lots of variations for specific fisheries -check local listings
Click for All of Wisconsin's Bass Fishing Rules

So, if you’ve ever wondered when you can go bass fishing near you, the short answer is almost always. Just make sure you know which seasons are catch-and-release only.

Oh, and just a quick mention, Alaska is our only state that doesn’t have bass fishing.

Make Every Season a Bass Season

a happy angler holding up a big largemouth bass — It's always a good time to catch a bass. | Photo by Kurt Mazurek

Having lived the in the South for the past ten years, where bass fishing is open year round, it’s hard to imagine a time I couldn’t just go fishing when I wanted. For those of you in the few restricted states, I remember feeling your pain. But remember, those closed seasons can be a great time to study maps, organize tackle, practice your best knots, learn the best ways to catch bassbass fishing near me, tune up boat motors, and practice pitching and flipping into a coffee cup in front of the television. So, check your regulations, stay sharp, and make the most of every chance you get to go bass fishing near you.