Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I know that the closed season to go out and target bass, walleye, and northerns started on the 15th but I have been working in the village of Linwood the past 2 days and I can't believe the amount of fishing boats going out onto the water.  I know a lot of guys are taking their boats out for a test run, but I have noticed about 10-15 boats with their rods on the boat and some have crankbaits, hot n tots and even saw a few with spinnerbaits on them. Now I thought the Saginaw Bay had the same closed seasons as the inland lakes but maybe I am wrong, or maybe they know how to avoid the DNR?

dogfish and carp are open ;D ;D

Walleye are year round on the great lakes

So to go target walleye on the bay is OK right now? What about going out bass fishing on the Great Lakes, is that legal too?

No. Bass fishing does not open until the last Saturday in April for catch and immediate release. Regular season starts the Saturday before Memorial Day.

BD.                        ;D

Ya I knew that was the rule for inland water but then when someone says walleye fishing is still open on the great lakes it seems like bass fishing would be open on the great lakes as well. This closed season is so stupid to begin with that I am just trying to make sure I understand all the rules here because I have heard so many different things. Then when I see all those walleye fisherman heading out into the bay it confused me even more