Opener!
MN-FISH - 2026 Opening Day
Opening Day Is Here
The countdown to Minnesota’s third major holiday (besides Christmas and New Years) has begun: Opening day of Minnesota Fishing Season.
Good luck to all anglers this Saturday from all of us at MN-FISH. I can almost hear fillets sizzling!
Yes, it’s about fishing, but the opener is more than that. It’s a celebration. it’s family and friends. It’s enjoying our state’s abundant fishing water and plentiful walleyes.
It’s also about busy boat ramps and crowded fishing hotspots. Just take a deep breath and enjoy. We’ve all been there. Take another deep breath. It’s the opener.
I have fished Wisconsin’s opener on the first Saturday in May, and it’s great to be on the water, but it not the same as our opener…less excitement, fewer participants. And that’s okay. It’s just another example of how the Minnesota opener is so special…something like 700,000 anglers are expected Saturday. Don’t know if that’s an accurate estimate but that’s the figure being used.
Opening day is also worth another reminder to drive safe, make sure your batteries are charged, be courteous and remember the water will be cold in many lakes. Life jackets should be worn or kept handy. Oh, don’t forget a fishing license.
Other than that….there are plenty of walleyes for everybody….I’ll cast first.
Good fishing,
Ron Schara
President
Purchase your WALLEYE STAMP when you go to renew your MN fishing license. All revenue raised goes to purchasing walleye fingerlings that are stocked throughout Minnesota’s lakes!
Family Supports MN-FISH With Memorial; Chore Warrior Doubles Donation.
For the last 60 years, Richard Hample of Jackson, Minnesota, headed to his cabin on Lake Winnie to chase his beloved walleyes when the season opened. To honor Richard, who passed away March 17, his family is donating $500 to MN-FISH to continue its work on behalf of all Minnesota anglers.
“My dad loved to fish and shared that love with his whole family,” said his daughter Karen Pennaz. “He was a fan of MN-FISH and the work this organization does. This donation helps ensure his grandkids can share the same thrills he enjoyed while on Winnie and many other lakes across the state.”
The Hample donation will be doubled by a generous $25,000 Challenge Donation from Chore Warrior, which makes quality tools that make home and farm work easier. Your donations will also be doubled by Chore Warrior, but you need to move quickly as the Challenge ends soon. Go to GIVE NOW to support MN-FISH.
The family of Richard Hample donated to MN-FISH to honor his life-long love of fishing. Their donation was doubled by Chore Warrior.
