minnesota fishing opener

As Minnesota anglers ready themselves for this weekend's fishing opener, they may find it hard to get their hands on some of the tackle this year.

Minnesota's fishing opener is May 9th and what has been a tradition for many families and friends over the years might look a little different this year.

The Minnesota DNR is asking anglers to practice "resource recycling" this fishing season. DNR Central Minnesota Fisheries Manager Brad Parsons says "resource recycling" means handling catch-and-release fish with care.

It should be a busy weekend at resorts and boat landings this weekend for Minnesota's fishing opener. DNR Central Region Fisheries Manager Brad Parsons with the early ice out this spring, and warmer weather on tap more people are expected to fish the opener

When Minnesota's fishing opener arrives Saturday, as many as 500,000 anglers are expected to wet a line. It represents about a third of all the licensed anglers in the state and also means big business.

Officials expect nearly 500,000 people to head out onto Minnesota's lakes and streams for this weekend's opening of fishing season.

My friend, Charlie Simkins and I, have been making an annual trek to Island View Lodge on Rainy Lake with a group of anglers for a number of years. Although Rainy is noted as a quality northern fishery, by the time we get there in mid July, the northern are out of the bays and on the reefs where the walleye are located.

Anglers who are looking for a particular type of bait this fishing opener may have a hard time finding bait like shiner minnows and jumbo leaches.

As anglers hit Minnesota's lakes Saturday in the season opener, many will be trying for a tasty walleye. But the state fish wouldn't be in most lakes without a lot of Department of Natural Resources spending to put it there.

A Minnesota tradition continues Saturday morning when an estimated 500,000 anglers take to lakes and rivers for the fishing opener.