Minnesota Fishing Opener This Weekend

The Minnesota Fishing Opener is this weekend, and the state Department of Natural Resources has released its fishing outlook for our region.

The DNR expects a good bite on Upper Red Lake given the likelihood of an average spring. They say the outlook is “excellent” and anglers that find active fish should have no trouble hooking plenty of keeper fish. 

Be prepared to accurately measure your catch by having a proper measuring board in your boat. Licensed anglers on the eastern 48,000 acres of Upper Red Lake under the jurisdiction of the State of Minnesota will be allowed a daily and possession limit of five walleye with one fish larger than 17 inches allowed in possession. 

Walleye 13 to 16 inches long on Lake of the Woods were above the historic average last September during the annual fall survey. 9- to 11-inch range walleye also reportedly showed up in good numbers. 

The Lake of the Woods combined walleye-sauger limit is six, but no more than four of those fish may be walleye. All walleye between 19 and a half and 28 inches in length must be immediately released, and only one walleye longer than 28 inches may be possessed.  

The DNR also reminds anglers that they have an obligation to prevent the spread of invasive species to other water bodies. Anglers must make sure they do not transport any lake water in their boats. Bilges, live wells and bait wells must all be drained at boat landings, and the boat must be trailered with all the plugs out. Check the DNR website for more specific information on how to prevent the spread of spiny water flea and zebra mussels.