Minnesota Fishing Opener 2021

The Minnesota fishing opener has been a tradition since 1948. It is a cooperative promotion between the state’s resort industry, media and public officials to promote Minnesota’s recreational opportunities. Today it celebrates the kickoff of the summer tourism season. It’s Minnesota’s largest annual event, attracting over 1.5 million licensed anglers each year – second only to Alaska.

After months of pandemic problems and at-home stresses, the second weekend in May is an opportunity to get outside and relax for thousands of families and competitive fishermen across Minnesota. It’s also a chance to celebrate 73 years of a treasured state tradition.

This year’s ice out was about two weeks ahead of average in most places, with only far northeast Minnesota still struggling to reach the median date for that region calculated since 1950. The ice-free conditions will allow for an earlier start of the fishery and more time on the water this year.

With that in mind, this is an excellent opportunity for Minnesota’s lake and river guides to showcase their expertise and provide a memorable experience for everyone who chooses to venture out and fish. The early start times will also give anglers a chance to get out on the water in a less crowded and safer environment.

A wide range of species are available to Minnesota’s anglers on the opening day of the season. Walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch and release only), and yellow perch are legal to pursue from May 15 through June 5. Also available are muskie, crappies, sunnies, and catfish.

It’s hard to predict weather conditions on the Minnesota fishing opener, but one thing is for sure — it will be warm and sunny for most of the weekend. There is a high likelihood of thunderstorms by mid-day or afternoon across the southern half of the state, and the chances for rain increase as you head north. Fog is seen on the opener about one out of ten years in the south, and one out of six years in the north.

Governor Tim Walz joined Minnesota’s fishing community, local residents and guests at Otter Tail County Thumper Pond Resort in the northern part of the state to open this year’s fishing opener. In keeping with the 73-year-old tradition, he cast his line at 5:45 a.m. Walz was paired with guide Eric Koep, and they fished for about two hours. They both landed small perch and sauger, but Walz didn’t land a walleye as he had hoped to do this year.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener is an annual celebration of the state’s thriving recreational economy and an important tool for promoting inland travel and tourism. In addition to the 1.4 million Minnesotans who possess fishing licenses, a significant number of people visit the state’s lakes and rivers each year to enjoy the fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities that are second to none. The Governor’s Fishing Opener serves as an important catalyst to our industry, highlighting the value and importance of Minnesota’s lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands to visitors from around the world.