MINOCQUA, Wis. (WSAU) - Bass season opens up this weekend, and the Department of Natural Resources is encouraging folks to get out and enjoy the fishing.
“Take your kids and enjoy the wonderful diversity of bass fishing opportunities we have in the northern zone,” says Jon Hansen, a fisheries biologist based in Madison and co-chair of DNR’s bass committee. Hansen says that the late start to the season, along with the late thaw and continued rain has delayed the spawn in northern waters. "Water temps are still low, so we're just starting to see the spawn happen in far northern Wisconsin."
Boulder Junction fishing guide Bob Bertch says the bass will be biting on a number of lures. "Plastics work well, tube jigs work well, and of course live bait is working real well." He says if you're out looking for bass this weekend, you should be aiming for the shallows where the fish will be either starting their spawn or getting ready to start.
The northern bass zone essentially includes those waters north of Highway 64 and 77 and allows harvest from June 15, 2013, through March 2, 2014. People can keep five bass in total, and the minimum length limit is 14 inches. You should consult the Regulations guidebook before heading out on your favorite body of water to see if the rules have changed this year.
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