Conditions Look Favorable for MN Fishing Opener

UNDATED -- 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.  He says it's showing up in the state's license sales.  Parsons says the number of licenses sold so far is way above normal.  Some reasons for the increase in sales is the nice spring weather so far and also the new catch-and-release bass regulations this year.

Parsons says the walleye and northern pike spawn is on schedule, so the conditions should be favorable for an active bite this weekend.

It's estimated more than 500,000 anglers will be fishing on Minnesota's fishing opener this year.