The governor’s office on Thursday announced that the 77th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 9-10 will be held in Crosslake. “I am thrilled to bring the longtime tradition of the Governor’s Fishing Opener to Crosslake,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a news release. “This region is known for its phenomenal fishing and outdoor recreation. It is also home to an incredible resort community, making Crosslake the perfect place to kick off summer.” Each year, the Explore Minnesota tourism agency works with the governor’s office, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and a Minnesota community to plan the event honoring the state’s rich tourism and fishing opportunities. This is the first time the Governor’s Fishing Opener event will be in the Crosslake area, providing a platform to showcase the area’s natural beauty, diversity of fish species, and hospitality. “We’re bringing the Governor’s Fishing Opener north again, and we are excited to celebrate in the Crosslake area,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota. “Along with excellent fishing and outdoor recreation, this area of Minnesota boasts a strong community of resorts, some dating back almost 100 years. These small businesses have provided unique experiences for visitors to our state for generations and continue to make Minnesota the best place to enjoy summer.” The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry, and in recent years, it has served as a kick-off celebration for the summer tourism season. The Crosslake area features dozens of lakes, including the 14 interconnected lakes of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, with 13,500 acres of water, numerous bays and islands, and 119 miles of shoreline. These waters offer excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, skiing and swimming. “The area offers great variety for anglers, including walleye, northern pike, and large and smallmouth bass, as well as lesser-known yet prized native rough fish such as greater redhorse and white sucker. The area also boasts a number of other outdoor recreation opportunities, including three state parks, a state recreation area and a wildlife management area,” said Sarah Strommen, MNDNR commissioner. “I look forward to fishing and experiencing all the outdoor opportunities the Crosslake area offers.” Related Articles Outdoors | Gearing up for ice fishing can be as inexpensive – or as pricey – as anglers want it to be Outdoors | Indoor walleye startup searches for home in Minnesota as state revamps aquaculture plan Outdoors | DNR survey shows strong walleye, sauger numbers on Lake of the Woods Outdoors | Targeting big fish late in the fall might be fly fishing’s best-kept secret Outdoors | St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show returns to RiverCentre from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8