Cold, wind not expected to deter Minnesota anglers from fishing opener
Tens of thousands of anglers are expected to brave frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and maybe even snow flurries for Minnesota's fishing opener this weekend.
While some anglers may stay cozied up in their beds for a few more days, Bemidji's DNR regional fisheries manager, Henry Drewes, said he still expects a lot of anglers.
"People have the tradition and they don't let weather stop it," he said. "And they're going to give it a go."
Beginning at midnight Friday, anglers itching to throw in a line can fish for walleye, northern pike and bass.
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Drewes, who grew up in Virginia and worked in Montana before moving to Minnesota 30 years ago, didn't understand the tradition of the state's fishing opener when he first arrived. He does now.
"I understand the tradition of getting the cabin ready," he said, "getting the boat ready, getting together with friends and family, just the whole gearing up for it. It's the kick-off for the summer."
It also means the start of the tourism season for resorts, guides and bait shops around the state.
The DNR estimates $1.58 billion is spent annually on sport fishing in Minnesota.
About 400,000 fishing licenses have been sold since March 1, Drewes said. Agency officials estimate during a typical year with decent weather, about a half million anglers will participate during the fishing opener weekend.
Gov. Mark Dayton will be among them. He'll join the throngs at Big Sandy Lake near McGregor, Minn., which is hosting the 69th annual Governor's Fishing Opener this year.
If he takes the advice of DNR staff, he'll be wearing a life jacket. Water temperatures in northern lakes are expected to drop into the 40s this weekend. According to the DNR, more than 30 percent of boating fatalities occur on cold water.
"With this kind of wind, this kind of cold, and dropping water temperatures, have your life jackets on," implored Drewes. "And don't go out on water your boat isn't capable of handling."