The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. It was designed to improve Minnesota’s economy, held as a venture between the state’s resort industry, media, and public officials.
For me, and many others, it serves as the official kickoff of the summer tourism season.
Travel and tourism are a $14.4 billion industries in Minnesota and fishing is a significant component.
Approximately 500,000 people flocked to the lakes during the opener making it one of the largest fishing openers in the country. The 2018 #MNGFO took place on Green Lake in Kandiyohi County.
Popular fishing spot for largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and walleye, Green Lake is the largest lake in the Willmar Lakes area. This was the second time the opener was held on Green Lake. Have you been out fishing since the opener?
