The Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, a tradition that dates back to 1948, will not be held this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The event was originally slated for May 7-10 in Otter Tail County in the west-central part of the state. Otter Tail County boasts the most lakes (1,048) of any U.S. county, including Otter Tail Lake. Next year's Governor's Fishing Opener is scheduled for May 6-9, 2021. Despite the postponement, the 2020 fishing season in Minnesota will open on May 9 as scheduled.
Each year, the Governor's Fishing Opener provides a new host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other travel activities, attractions and points of interest. Opener festivities are organized by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, a Minnesota host community and many sponsors that make the event possible.
“Explore Minnesota has enjoyed working with the enthusiastic Otter Tail County community and we are all eager to pick up planning efforts for a great 2021 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener,” said John Edman, Explore Minnesota director. “This is an incredibly difficult time, but our state’s tourism industry is resilient and strong. Together we will overcome this crisis and we’ll be here when residents and visitors are ready to ‘explore’ Minnesota again.”
