Wisconsin fishing opener held Saturday

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold this year’s fishing opener Saturday.

Anyone over the age of 16 will need a fishing license, which can be bought from multiple locations, as well as through Go Wild, a license agent, and the DNR’s license portal.

According to the DNR, due to the late ice thaw on northern lakes, fish are hungry and ager to bite. In addition, the agency says due to the late warm-up, panfish may be sluggish, and walleye spawning has been delayed in the northern part of the state, so they may be closer to shore.

The DNR says bass will likely be found in deer water, steelheads are beginning spawning runs and Coho salmon are beginning to travel north on Lake Michigan.

If you plan on participating in the opener, the DNR reminds you to wear a life jacket, practice safe and sober boat operations, remove plants and animals from your boat before and after launching, drain water from compartments, release catches responsibly and to know regulations.

CLICK HERE for Wisconsin regulations.

Minnesota’s fishing opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 14.

KSTP’s complete fishing opener guide