(KNSI) – Minnesota’s fishing openers for bass, walleye, northern pike and trout in lakes are set for Saturday, May 15th.
The Department of Natural Resources says the later-than-usual opening date is due to a Minnesota statute that sets the fishing opener two weeks before Memorial Day, which falls on May 31st this year.
Take a Mom Fishing Weekend — which usually coincides with both Mother’s Day and the fishing opener — is set for May 8th and 9th for 2021. During that weekend, Minnesotans who are also mothers can fish without purchasing a license.
“We encourage Minnesota moms to get out and fish for free on May 8 and 9,” Jon Hansen, fisheries program consultant for the DNR, said. “Even though the walleye season won’t be open, there are still plenty of fun and easy fishing opportunities for crappie, sunfish or even under-appreciated fish like buffalo, sucker, bullhead or sheepshead.”
Minnesotans can find the fishing season dates and an updated copy of the Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook on the DNR’s Fishing webpage.
In the meantime, DNR officials are urging caution as boaters head out on ice-free, yet still cold, waters.
“Our boating season in Minnesota is limited, so we know people want to spend every moment they can on open water,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “But even among the strongest of swimmers, a fall into the water in April is far more dangerous than the same fall in July because of the incapacitating effects of cold water.”
The DNR advises that boaters wear life jackets, distribute weight evenly in the boat, have a means of communication with others and watch the weather.
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