By Brenda Erdahl
To many Minnesotans fishing opener is as much a holiday as Thanksgiving or The Fourth of July. It’s been celebrated annually since 1948, when the first Governor’s Fishing Opener was conducted at Wahkon on Mille Lacs Lake.
Every May on the Saturday two weeks before Memorial Day, half-a-million Minnesotans take to the lakes, rivers, and streams to kick off the walleye, sauger and northern pike seasons. This year’s fishing opener falls on Saturday, May 11.
As the big day approaches, anglers can prepare by reading up on tried-and-true techniques and tips by local anglers and DNR updates in the annual Fishing Opener special section with this week’s issue. The section includes an outlook on the opener and new regulations on some area lakes that anglers will have to watch out for Saturday.
Other stories to look for are tips for improving your walleye success and ways to get more bass on the line during the early season. Also, brush up on the latest fishing regulations, and see tips and reminders on fighting invasive species. The section also contains a number of area ads from businesses who can help you and your fellow anglers have a successful weekend.
Before you hit the open water, May 11th, make sure you are prepared to make it the best fishing opener yet.
Whether fishing on a boat or from shore, find all you need to know about this year’s fishing opener in the Fishing Opener special section in this week’s paper.