The Fish and Boat Commission has designated particular areas of some waters for specific types of fishing activity. Tackle restrictions are most often placed on the type of lure that may be utilized. Harvest restrictions are placed on all specially regulated areas. They can involve the creel limit, size restrictions and seasons or all three.
Some areas allow no harvest at all and are managed for catch and release fishing only.
Other areas use increased size limits and decreased creel limits in order to protect the population or to manage for harvest of only the largest fish. This special regulation employs an increased size limit and a reduced creel limit to more conservatively manage smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass. Anglers who are interested in fishing specially regulated areas should refer to their Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws for a list of the water areas included in the various programs. Most anglers are within a short drive of some type of specially regulated area. Before fishing anglers should also refer to the specific regulations that apply to the area in which they are going to fish.