Fishing Opener

For the first time that I can remember, we are in actual danger of not having open lakes for fishing opener.  No one can say for sure, but we are definitely cutting it close if they do thaw out.  Local reports in the Northland have ice thickness anywhere from 2-3 feet.  That would be comparable to usually mid February thickness.

With many lakes in Minnesota still ice covered, along with some streams and rivers, the DNR has announced that there will be seasonal closures on some waters to protect certain fish spawns.

If you're like me, you're probably already itching for fishing season, which in Minnesota is a little more than a month away.   Today I was looking around on the DNR website and found a handy guide that you can download that helps you identify fish and where to find them.  It's pretty neat!

Every year there are new laws added to the book.  This year there is no exception.  Make sure to pick up a booklet so you have it handy for this weekend.  Also a big thing this year is the invasive species prevention push, so make sure to follow those rules as well.  The DNR will be out, so be legal!

The MN Senate passed the bill approving license fees for fishing and hunting to increase for the first time in 11 years.  The bill, if signed, will increase the price for residents and non residents for fishing, small game, and big game licenses.  The bill has wide support from many outdoor organizations looking to help fund the preservation and regulating of Minnesota's great fishing and hunting.

There was some talk a few weeks ago about moving up the fishing opener to May 5th because of the record warm March. Well now isn't that funny, considering up North in the Arrowhead there is at least a half of foot of snow on the ground today.

This amendment would only impact this year.  It is now in the hands of Governor Mark Dayton to sign.  Proponents of the bill say that it avoids a Mother's Day conflict with the Minnesota opener and it takes advantage of the warmer weather the state has experienced lately.  Opposition comes primarily from resort owners who say this short notice is causing them stress in preparation and meeting cust