Mankato to host 2023 Governor’s Fishing Opener

Mankato has been chosen to host the 75th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener next spring.

The governor’s office on Monday announced the news, marking just the fifth time since 1948, when the tradition began, that the event will be held in southern Minnesota.

It will also be the first time Mankato has hosted the Governor’s Fishing Opener, which is scheduled for May 12 and 13.

“I am incredibly excited to bring the longtime tradition of the Governor’s Fishing Opener to Southern Minnesota and my hometown of Mankato,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “This region is home to an extraordinary diversity of fishing opportunities on over 100 lakes and rivers. I look forward to celebrating the unique tourism and outdoor opportunities that the region has to offer.”

“We are thrilled to be selected as the host community for the 2023 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener,” Jessica Beyer, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. and Visit Mankato, said in a statement. “This key event for our State will put a spotlight on the variety of fishing and outdoor recreational assets throughout the Greater Mankato Region.”

The event celebrates not only fishing and the outdoors, but also the kickoff of the summer tourism season.