Catch-and-release bass season underway in FMZ 20

The new catch-and-release season for Lake Ontario smallmouth and largemouth bass is underway as part of changes to regulations in FMZ 20.

A new annual catch-and-release-only open season for both species runs from Jan. 1 to May 10.

Meanwhile, the opening of smallmouth bass has been pushed back to the first Saturday in July to provide added protection for nesting smallmouth. The largemouth season will still open on the third Saturday in June. Both seasons will close on Dec. 31.

FMZ 20 includes: the Canadian side of Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte, Niagara River below Niagara Falls, Hamilton Harbour, and St. Lawrence River to the Quebec border.