Thousands of anglers will be heading to lakes and rivers across Minnesota this weekend for the traditional fishing opener.
It might be the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but this year the 78th Annual Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held on the St. Croix River in Stillwater. It's the first time the city has hosted the event.
"We've got live music, and beer, and food tents, and food trucks, and so many different fun things going on this weekend," says Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski. "I think it's just going to be magical and it looks like the weather is going be just great."
Kozlowski says they are prepared, and ready to handle the onslaught of people, despite the little town tucked between the tall cliffs of the St. Croix, and the river itself.
"Check out DiscoverStillwater.com," he says. "that has lots of good parking information. I think they are running some shuttles from some of the bigger parking lots up on top of the hill."
Kozlowski says while Minnesota is known for having ten thousand lakes, the state's rivers also provide for some great fishing.
"We've got the most beautiful river in the country right in our backyard, and there's a different kind of number of species that live in rivers that lakes don't have," Kozlowski adds. "So, kind of the diversity of fishing on the St. Croix is really different from a lot of our lakes."
Each year, the Governor’s Office works with Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a Minnesota community to plan the event honoring the state’s rich tourism and fishing opportunities. This one, while closer to the metro area than most Governor's Openers, offers up something unique.
"Stillwater is a beautiful and historic town, and I am excited to bring the Governor’s Fishing Opener to the banks of the St. Croix River,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This event provides an opportunity to celebrate what makes Minnesota special and bring Minnesotans together to experience our exceptional fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.”
The St. Croix River offers quality fishing for a variety of species, including walleye, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, flathead and channel catfish, white bass, and smallmouth bass.
“Minnesota is known for diverse, quality fishing opportunities, and the fishing opener is a great time to shine a spotlight on some of those opportunities,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “We’re really looking forward to getting outdoors in the Stillwater area to celebrate the 2026 fishing opener because the St. Croix River offers fantastic fishing for Minnesota’s beloved walleye and also for many other fish like big lake sturgeon and flathead catfish.”
This is the first time Stillwater has hosted the governor's traditional opener
This is the first time Stillwater has hosted the governor's traditional opener
