In the fisheries research study “Year-Class Production of Black Bass Before and After Opening of a Spring Catch-and-Release Season in New York: Case Studies from Three Lakes” researchers James R. Jackson, Donald W. Einhouse, Anthony J. VanDeValk and Thomas E. Brooking found no negative harm to bass population recruitment due to their liberalized spring bass fishing seasons.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced public meetings in July to discuss fishing regulation changes proposed for 2016 including 16 catch-and-delayed-release test lakes.

In August 2014 we passed the very important Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act confirming our Legislators and outdoors savvy Michiganders still support management of our natural resources using principles of sound science instead of the ballot box and emotion.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission voted Thursday, April 9, 2015 to approve Fisheries Order 215.15 making catch-and-immediate-release (CIR) bass fishing legal year-round in Michigan effective immediately.