Fishing Opener Bites Slower This Year But Hope Is On The Rise

We've had far worse opening weekend weather here in Minnesota. The fishing opener is usually chilly for us, but this year it's the water temperature that's really been slow to warm up.

We had a late ice out this year, followed by cooler-than-average temperatures. That's caused Mother Nature to be a little delayed, with experts saying the spawn hasn't quite happened yet.

Russ Fransisco, owner of Marine General in Duluth, says the spawn really hasn't happened yet, so it was a slower bite for this fishing opening weekend. But that could be good news for places like the St. Louis River, where fishing upriver has a delayed start.

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One of my most memorable fishing trips was when we went north of the Highway 23 bridge and trolled in the current and caught keeper walleye after keeper walleye. It's really fun when you are catching walleyes on every pass. A later spawn can align with when the north section of the river opens up. From Highway 23 to the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, the cable opens on May 19th.

Early-season walleyes tend to spawn and hang out in shallow waters until warmer water drives walleyes down to deeper depths.

The fishing should pick up any day now, and spring is the best time to get out and fish. Be sure to wear a life jacket!