May Windchill: Chilly, Windy Fishing Opener But Rain Bypasses Northland

Storms, given a choice, PREFER to come on weekends, major holidays and the Minnesota Fishing Opener. Apparently this year will be no exception. Nearly half a million of us are getting ready to head out Saturday morning, and how foul the weather will be depends on which lake(s) you plan to fish.

Fishing Opener Headlines

1). Weather models, including the European model (above) keep the bulk of the showers and thunderstorms south and west of the Twin Ports and Arrowhead, with a 2"+ soaking for southern Minnesota, but only a few light showers for the Northland.

2). Winds will be strong, gusting as high as 25-30 mph. Combine that with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and you're going to need a heavy-duty jacket on your favorite lake. Almost parka-worthy.  A serious walleye chop? You 'betcha!

3). Arrowhead and northern Wisconsin will be mostly-dry Saturday, but plan on more showers the farther south/west you go, toward the Brainerd Lakes.

Get our free mobile app

I see a raw Saturday taking shape: waking up to 40s for much of the Northland with low 50s for the Brainerd Lakes area. I would take a heavy jacket, even a light parka with a hood for comfort.

A "High" of 52F at Duluth Saturday? That sounds about right, based on what I'm looking at, with a cruel wind blowing off Lake Superior, gusting close to 30 mph at times. Pass the Dramamine please.

Studying the maps and weather models I suspect Saturday will feel like something out of late March or early April, with a stiff east wind blowing off Lake Superior and a definite whiff of windchill.

The good news: it won't be pouring all day long Saturday.

The bad news: it will be windy, choppy and downright nippy out on your favorite lake. If you're dressed for (March) you should be fine, but plan on a chilly, wind-whipped day of fun.

Good luck out there!