Minnesota Fishing, A Time-Honored Tradition

500,000 Anglers Celebrate State's Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 13

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May 10, 2017, 09:00 ET

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotion office, is honoring a treasured tradition this week for fishing opening day on Saturday, May 13, a date that ranks with Christmas and Thanksgiving for 500,000 anglers. Minnesota offers world-class fishing thanks to its many diverse bodies of water, and the moniker "Land of 10,000 Lakes" only hints at that variety. In fact, the state has 11,842 lakes, 69,000 miles of rivers and streams, and more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.

There are many reasons to go fishing in Minnesota. From the headwaters of America's greatest river, the Mississippi, to the big waters of Lake Superior and thousands of premier fishing lakes across the state, anglers can reel in northern pike, bass, walleye, catfish, trout, salmon, panfish and 100+ lesser-known species. For novice anglers, it's easy to include fishing as part of any Minnesota vacation and, for the elite, Minnesota is poised to host the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship for the second consecutive year this fall on Lake Mille Lacs.

Fishing in Minnesota is so rooted in tradition that its governor has hosted the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener since 1948. The 70^th annual celebration will take place in St. Cloud, Minn., on the Mississippi River, May 11-14, 2017. Each year the event is hosted by the current governor (it's Gov. Mark Dayton's seventh time hosting) and coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and a host community.

"Fishing is part of Minnesota's identity and opening day is like a holiday. Whether this weekend or another day, there are thousands of lakes and rivers in our state for anglers to catch a memory to last a lifetime," said John Edman, director, Explore Minnesota.

Minnesota's fishing opener serves as a kickoff for the summer travel season and promotes the state's recreational opportunities. Fishing is a key part of tourism, one of Minnesota's largest economy sectors. Visit exploreminnesota.com to learn more or get "reel"-time updates using Minnesota's travel hashtag #OnlyinMN and #MNGFO2017.

About Explore Minnesota
As the state's tourism promotion office, Explore Minnesota inspires consumers and facilitates travel to and within Minnesota. Tourism is a $14.4 billion industry in the state, welcoming more than 70 million travelers annually.

SOURCE Explore Minnesota