Cold Spring Reels In 2027 Governor’s Fishing Opener

(KNSI) – Cold Spring is about to land a lunker of an event as it’s been picked to help kick off Minnesota’s 2027 fishing season.

Governor Tim Walz announced Wednesday that the 79th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will take place on Long Lake and the connected Sauk River Chain of Lakes, known locally as the Horseshoe Chain, on May 14th and 15th. Long Lake covers 460 acres and is home to walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, common carp and yellow perch.

“This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase not only Minnesota’s rich outdoor traditions, but also the strength of our communities, local businesses, and the hospitality that makes the ROCORI area so special,” said Vienna Meyers, executive director of the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce.

It will be the first time the central Minnesota community has hosted the event, which pairs a host town with the Governor’s Office, Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources each year to spotlight the state’s fishing and tourism. The DNR manages roughly 150 fishing lakes and 260 miles of rivers and streams across Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.

In the announcement, Walz pointed to the community itself as the draw.
“Home to the Sauk River Chain of Lakes, an abundance of public lands, and a thriving economy fueled by small businesses and locally owned restaurants, Cold Spring pairs small-town hospitality with exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation,” Walz said.

The opener regularly draws state officials, lawmakers and media to its host community and serves as a kickoff for the summer tourism season.
It has been about a decade since the opener was last cast into central Minnesota. The St. Cloud area, working together with Sauk Rapids and Sartell, hosted the 70th opener on the Mississippi River in 2017.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a Minnesota tradition since 1948, created to promote the state’s recreation industry. Organizers are expected to release more details on the 2027 events, including activities surrounding the two-day celebration, as the date draws closer.

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