Minnesota Fishing Opener Advice
by Your Inner Otter
The Minnesota inland walleye/pike season opens this weekend. 12:00am, Saturday, May 10th to be exact. With over 1,000 lakes to wet a line in, Otter Tail County is a great place to We asked our fishing guide partners to share some Minnesota Fishing Opener advice. Here is what they had to say.
Ross Hagemeister – Meister’s Guide Service
“Folks often ask me for fishing tips that might help them on the opener. The fishing is the easy part–it’s just fun to get on the lake! Sure it’s fun to catch a walleye or three, but it’s the Opener! The most challenging part of Opening Weekend can be surviving the public access and parking at popular walleye lakes. Here are a few tidy tips and strategies to avoid landing drama and trauma:
Get up early and get the landing before others. Be prepared for a wait.-Have your boat and gear in working order. Being efficient at the access helps you to not be the one who creates a traffic jam. -Park as “tidy” as possible–don’t take more than one spot, which can be difficult when most boat trailers and vehicles are quite large. Not everyone can proficiently launch or load. When folks are inexperienced and are struggling give them a hand; helping folks keeps the landing open. Communication works. If there’s a “Tie”…….If you arrive at the access at the same time that someone else does, communicate with one another and make a collective plan. It’s a way to minimize conflict. These aren’t amazing or out-of-the-ordinary ideas. Give them some thought as you strike out to the lake this weekend and have a great Opener.” To book a trip with Ross, click here.
Justin Lightfoot – Lightfoot Outdoors Guide Service
“It is finally here the Minnesota non-official holiday of fishing opener. As we are all getting our boats ready to hit the water there’s one thing that some people forget to look at, be sure to check all your safety equipment in your boat.
I recently went to a class to become a boat captain and obtained the six-pack license through the Coast Guard. It was eight days of intense learning about boat safety and rules of being on the water. Safety equipment is one of the most important things not only for us but the people we bring on board. Make sure you have serviceable life vests, a throwable life ring or cushion. Having a serviceable fire extinguisher on board a whistle or horn are all important things. Another great thing to have on your boat is the first aid kit for those little cuts and that happened on the boat. When you get friends and family on your boat be sure to tell them where all those things are just in case. Being prepared and being safe on the water are very important.
Everyone have a safe and fun fishing opener the weather looks great this weekend, it’s going to be warm temps so be sure to stay hydrated with the beverage of your choice.”
To book a trip with Justin, click here.
Randin Olson – Lock Jaw Guide Service
“If your normal lake isn’t going good, try a smaller lake. Water temps will be warmer and the fish will be farther from the spawn. The fish will be schooled up so move fast till you catch one then slow down.” To book a trip with Randin, click here.
Cody Hill – CHill Guide Service
“I’m expecting to find them on edges of taller weeds. Water is warming up quickly with temperatures but I think a lighter jig and minnow in that 7-12 ft range will do great for walleyes and will produce a great OTC multi species fishing trip. Don’t be afraid to go ⅛ or ¹/16 oz with a fat head and slowly retrieve jig casting. They will be still spooky of boats so get away from the boat.
We all want to have fun. Be kind and respectful to fellow anglers.” To book a trip with Cody, click here.
