May 8 - 10, 2025
·
Crosslake, MN
For questions or concerns, please contact Kari Brumback via phone/text at (612) 513-8898 or kari.brumback@state.mn.us.
Pre-registration is required
We hope you will join us for the 77th Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. This year's event will take place May 8-10 in and around Crosslake.
The annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener is a celebration of our state's outdoor recreation and tourism industries as well as traditions, new and old. It highlights the importance of angling in Minnesota and its benefits to the state's outdoor and tourism economy. We look forward to gathering with you and wetting a line, celebrating our state's great outdoors, as well as supporting small and local businesses across our state.
Agenda (subject to change)
Thursday, May 8
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
On Site Check In
Location: Whitefish Lodge and Suites 14150 Swann Dr, Crosslake, MN 56442
Friday, May 9
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Media Event
Location: Manhattan Beach Lodge 39051 Co Rd 66, Manhattan Beach, MN 56442
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
On Site Check In
Location: Whitefish Lodge and Suites 14150 Swann Dr, Crosslake, MN 56442
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Fry Stocking Event
Location: Manhattan Beach Lodge 39051 County Rd. 66 Manhattan Beach, MN 56442
Stocking Big Trout Lake with walleye fry.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Loon Pontoon Boat Tour
Location: Army Corps Cross Lake Rec Area 35507 County Road 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
Public Access
Join the National Loon Center on the water for an amazing trip around Crosslake to learn about plans for launching the center and the loons.
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Crosslake Log Village
Location: 35404 Co Rd 3 Crosslake, MN 56442
Self-guided tour to step back in time amongst preserved, well-loved buildings that reflect the rich history of the area.
Locations: Various
Self-Guided tour of area resorts, stop by and meet the people who make memories for generations of visitors to Minnesota. Explore their offerings and learn the integral part that mom-and-pop resorts have in the Minnesota economy.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Resort History Pontoon Tour
Location: Bay View Lodge 12038 Harbor Lane Crosslake, MN 56442
One hour tour on the Whitefish Chain to explore the deep history of lakeside resorts in the area
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Youth Fishing and Education Event
Location: Army Corps Cross Lake Rec Area 35507 County Road 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
Shorefishing location near accessible picnic shelter
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Lower Hay Lake Public Water Access
Location: 34837 Rustic Point Road Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Visit the access and learn about improvements planned for the area
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Loon Pontoon Boat Tour
Location: Army Corps Cross Lake Rec Area 35507 County Road 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
Public Access
Join the National Loon Center on the water for an amazing trip around Crosslake to learn about plans for launching the center and the loons.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Resort History Pontoon Tour
Location: Bay View Lodge 12038 Harbor Lane Crosslake, MN 56442
One hour tour on the Whitefish Chain to explore the deep history of lakeside resorts in the area
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Community Celebration
Location: Zorbaz Crozz Lake 36215 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
• Mingle with other guests, meet up with boat hosts and tell tall fish tales
Saturday, May 10
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fishing
Location: Cross Lake and other area lakes
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Launch Ceremony
Location: Army Corps Cross Lake Rec Area 35507 County Road 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Shore Lunch
Location: Army Corps Cross Lake Rec Area 35507 County Road 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
- Walleye & Wild Rice Pinwheels
- Baked Beans or Coleslaw
- Chips
- Beverages (Pop/Water)
