Crosslake will host the 77th Annual Governor’s Fishing Opener May 9-10 with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota.
This is the first time the the Crosslake area has hosted the event, which provides a platform to showcase the area’s natural beauty, diversity of fish species and hospitality.
A tradition in Minnesota since 1948, the governor's fishing opener kicks off Minnesota's summer tourism season and promotes the development of the state's recreation industry.
Fish facts *
Anglers & waters
1.7 million anglers fish in Minnesota. Of these, 1.2 million are Minnesota residents while 508,000 are nonresidents.
- About 500,000 people are expected to fish on Saturday, May 10, Minnesota’s opening day of the walleye, northern pike, bass and trout-in-lakes season in 2025.
- Minnesota has 11,842 lakes that are 10 or more acres in size, 4,500 of which are considered fishing lakes.
- There are more than 16,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,800 miles of trout streams.
- Although not every kind of fish lives everywhere, 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters.
Economics
Minnesota anglers spend $5.9 billion dollars on angling related expenses (for example, angling trips, equipment and licenses).
- Average annual expenditures per angler in Minnesota are $3,600.
- Fishing supports 28,000 Minnesota jobs.
- The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for specific outdoor-related activities.
Who fishes?
An estimated 26% of Minnesota residents aged 16 and older fish.
- A closer look at participation by race and ethnicity finds that 21% of Black, 26% of Hispanic and 27% of white Minnesotans aged 16 and older fish.
- An estimated 38% of male and 14% of female Minnesota residents fish.
- Among Minnesotans who did not possess a fishing license, 36% expressed an interest in fishing in Minnesota in the future.
- The most frequently reported barrier to fishing – for Minnesotans interested in fishing – is lacking friends and family to fish with.
* Some data used in fish facts is from a summary report of the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Fishing news
Media representatives are encouraged to check this page often for updated event schedules and information; area stories, images and videos; topics of interest; and coverage ideas for this year's event in Crow Wing County's Crosslake.