Minnesota Fishing Opener Set for Cold Spring in 2027
Minnesota's annual Governor's Fishing Opener is a treasured tradition that celebrates our state's great angling opportunities and signals the start of summer.
Keep reading to get details on 2027's two-day event and get ready to cast your line for walleye, trout, bass, northern pike and less popular species like sunfish, crappies, perch and catfish.
When is the 2027 Governor's Fishing Opener?
Minnesota state statute requires the opener to occur precisely two weeks before the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. In 2027, that means the fishing opener will occur on May 14-15.
Fishing is a way of life across the state. So much so that there's a Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener each year, a tradition that dates back to 1948. That makes 2027 the 79th anniversary of the event, which will take place in Cold Spring.
The Governor's Fishing Opener was designed to improve Minnesota’s economy through the development and promotion of the state’s recreational opportunities, especially fishing. The first opener was a cooperative promotion between the state’s resort industry, media and public officials.
Today, the emphasis is even broader. It celebrates the kickoff of the summer tourism season with a promotional focus on a host community as well as recreational opportunities statewide.
Where are the best places to fish in Minnesota?
Minnesota offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, from big lakes to scenic trout streams and even the mighty Mississippi. Whether you're looking for tips on where to find walleye, the best season to catch a trophy-sized fish, where to go fly fishing or how to embrace ice fishing, there's no better place to go fishing than Minnesota.