The 2025 Minnesota fishing opener is this Saturday, May 10th. 

Many Northland lakes will have cold waters, with the likes of Lake Vermilion icing out May 4th, Caribou Lake on May 6th and Round Lake not until May 7th. The Minnesota DNR predicts this will push walleye to warmer, shallower waters near the shore.

 “We’ve had decent weather and so I expect the water to be warmed up, most of the walleyes and pike to be post-spawn, which tends to help in terms of fishing action for everybody,” Brad Parsons said, a fisheries section manager with the MN DNR.

Parsons added that walleye populations are in “really good shape in our large lakes” in northeastern Minnesota. But there are plenty of other options out there.

“There are thousands of lakes to choose from. Northern Pike is a great option, particularly if the walleye get a little persnickety on the opening weekend, Pike tend to not be quite that way,” Parsons said. “We have the regulations that allow for harvest of small pike that we really encourage people to do. And this time of year, they’re great eating as well. “

The DNR also cautions people to be on the lookout for invasive species. Among those in the Great Lakes region are the fourspine and threespine sticklebacks, round and tubenose gobys, and a variety of carp including, but not limited to, silver and bighead carp.

“Anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by taking the required Clean, Drain, Dispose steps. That means cleaning all vegetation, mud, and debris off your boat, trailer, and gear. Draining all water from your live well, bilge, and bait containers, and making sure that your plugs are pulled before moving your watercraft. And finally, make sure to dispose of all unwanted bait in the trash,” Tina Fitzgerald said, with MN DNR Ecological and Water Resources.

There are also zebra mussels, plants, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, and diseases to be aware of. A full breakdown can be found on the Minnesota DNR website. Along wish washing gear and boats, anglers can also use courtesy decontamination sites provided by the Minnesota DNR. For those locations, click here.

If you head out on Saturday don’t forget your fishing license, a life jacket, and tags for a boat if you’re using one.