What to Know About the Opening of Minnesota Fishing Season

Two boys fishing off the side of a V-Dock

We’ve finally reached spring in Minnesota! It’s the time of year when the ice finally melts, the air warms up, and the sound of fishing boats and happy anglers fills the air. In Minnesota, the opening of fishing season is one of the most anticipated events of the year for everyone from avid fishermen to novices. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting day in 2025:

The Date You Need to Know: May 10

Minnesota fishing season officially opens two Saturdays before Memorial Day Weekend each year. This year, that date will be May 10. It’s a tradition that goes back more than 75 years, when the first Governor’s Fishing Opener was held at Wahkon on Mille Lacs Lake in 1948. In the years’ since, it’s become a rite of passage for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans to grab their fishing gear and head out to their favorite spots.

Species You Can Target

This Minnesota fishing opener marks the start of several exciting fishing seasons. The walleye, sauger, and northern pike seasons are the main events, and they’re open across the state. Meanwhile, largemouth and smallmouth bass are also fair game, but only on a catch-and-release basis for the first 14 days, except in northeastern Minnesota. This allows the bass to spawn and keeps the populations healthy for years to come.

Celebrating a Minnesota Tradition

For many, the fishing opener is as much about tradition as it is about the catch. It’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors, take in the beauty of Minnesota lakes. The opener also falls on Mother’s Day Weekend, so it’s the perfect activity to do with any moms who are also anglers.

Fishing from a V-Dock

One final consideration before fishing season opens: where are you going to fish? You don’t need to have a boat or some secret spot. When you have a V-Dock, you can just walk out your back door and onto the perfect fishing platform. It’s the perfect solution for easy access to the water, regardless of whether you’re fishing or just enjoying the view. Our captain’s chair accessory makes the entire thing even more relaxing and convenient. And with a V-Dock, you can get your gear in and out of the water with ease, making your fishing experience that much more enjoyable. Call us today at 1-888-888-DOCK to learn more about our products!