MINNESOTA FISHING OPENER
In Minnesota, this weekend is almost like a holiday. Anglers are giddy with excitement. Even the grocery stores are full of fishermen and women gearing up with supplies and provisions for camping in the Boundary Waters. Minnesota anglers consider the fishing opener - when walleyes (Minnesota's State Fish), northern pike and bass become legal game on the state's inland waters-one of the defining moments of the year. Minnesota's general fishing opener is the Saturday two weeks before Memorial Day weekend. This date was chosen because it allows most walleyes to spawn before being caught by anglers, it ensures that the opener is on a weekend, when most anglers can fish and this date ensures two full weekends for anglers and businesses before the Memorial Day weekend.
WALLEYE FISHING
Minnesota walleyes spawn in spring (at about 48-52 degree water temp.) and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water. This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish but will eat crustaceans, worms, and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker (low light) water. Try fishing for walleye from a few hours before sundown to a couple hours after dark, particularly during the heat of summer.
Walleye fishing in the Boundary Waters can be a little more challenging in one sense as fishing a nice walleye chop (that's outfitter talk for wind) from a canoe isn't always as easy as from a boat, but the wilderness quality fishing available in the Boundary Waters more than makes up for the extra effort and occasional challenge. The state record walleye came from the Boundary Waters in 1979 . . . a 17 lb 9 oz giant! For you smallmouth and largemouth bass nuts . . . remember that the bass season opens early (same as walleyes) in Northeast Minnesota, unlike the rest of the state.
Do you enjoy fishing for and eating walleye? Have a great story or picture to share with the rest of us? Let us share in your experiences.
