This year, the Wildlife Department’s Fisheries Division proposed a rule change that would allow anglers to keep smaller, more abundant largemouth and smallmouth bass. The proposal aims to remove the 14-inch minimum length limit from lakes and reservoirs, and would allow anglers to keep only one bass greater than 16 inches daily. If approved, biologists anticipate a positive impact on the overall quality of Oklahoma’s black bass populations. In addition to the proposed rule change, the Fisheries Division has also requested a black bass tournament exemption, which will be free to obtain. See the full details here.
The public comment period for this proposed regulation change and others will open the first week of December. Details will be posted on the Department’s website. The public can make comments on the Department’s website or through written comments mailed to the Department.