The Governor's Fishing Opener getting underway in Stillwater this weekend, and at a time when fishing license registration is down nationwide.
But, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sara Strommen told WCCO's Vineeta Sawkar on the Morning News that the numbers are a little better here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
"In Minnesota we are holding steady, and I think we see a lot of promise of the ability to grow, particularly with young people getting in the high school fishing teams now," Strommen explains. "And so, it's really exciting that Minnesota seems to be bucking some of those national trends of decline."
While participation reached record highs in 2024 among diverse groups, the U.S. fishing industry faces a long-term "churn" crisis, losing 16.6 million anglers that year—a 23% turnover rate.
Despite a brief 2020 surge, the percentage of Americans fishing has generally declined from 12.1% in 1991 to 8.8% in 2020.
Still, despite Minnesota doing better than those numbers, there is a long term drop in fishing numbers. Participation rates have dropped from the high 30% range in the 1970s to roughly 27% of Minnesotans (aged 16+) currently holding a fishing license.
The aging population of those that fish in Minnesota is a focus for the DNR, and so far they've found success.
The increase in youth fishing numbers is due to youth and high school programs, as Strommen noted. Over 110,000 licenses were bought by people ages 16 to 20 in 2025. That's more than 15% higher than 2023, according to the DNR.
The state is also working on making that license system easier, with a new online registration system coming this summer.
"You can actually go in and purchase for them, you can link your accounts to them," says Fish and Wildlife Division Director Kelly Straka. "Same with members of your hunting party. And so that will be able to streamline that, and again it's increasing that flexibility for people."
78th Annual Fishing Opener hits Stillwater
Governor Tim Walz and his party head out onto the St. Croix River early Saturday for the 78th Governor's Fishing Opener.
It'll be the final trip out as governor for Walz. He has had success in past fishing openers, including catching three northern pike last year in Crosslake.
Strommen suggested the governor's party might be a little competitive on Saturday.
"I think the governor and I are going to have to work that out (Friday) and of course with the Lieutenant Governor too," Strommen says. "She's going to be out here fishing as well. So, yeah, I think I might have a record to protect, so we'll see what happens this weekend."
The ceremonial state fishing opener dates back to 1948. It became officially attached with the governor's office in 1963.
