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"Statewide regulations will be appropriate and adequate to protect fish populations of Green Lake," said Bruce Gilbertson, (DNR) area fisheries supervisor at Spicer. "The change is consistent with the sentiment of most anglers who provided input on Green Lake."

Bass and northern pike regulations were modified on Green Lake in 1997 as part of a study that aimed to improve fishing quality for both species. Special regulations for Green Lake were a 24-inch maximum size limit for northern pike, which meant that all northern pike 24 inches and larger must have been released immediately, and all bass 14 to 21 inches must have been immediately returned to the water.

The study ends this year with the DNR conducting mandatory reviews. The DNR had an open comment period and held a public input meeting in Spicer last month to solicit input on the effectiveness of the special regulations and to determine whether anglers believed they should be continued, modified, or eliminated. Most anglers wanted a return to statewide regulations.

The 2006 inland bass fishing season will open on Saturday, May 27. Anglers will be allowed to possess six largemouth or smallmouth bass combined.

The statewide catch-and-release season, which begins Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, will continue to apply. Statewide rules will allow bass tournaments to be held again on Green Lake.