MN FISHING OPENER YIELDS MIXED RESULTS

WALLEYE BITE SCATTERED ACROSS THE STATE

With the intense anticipation of the 2012 Minnesota fishing opener, the walleye bite results were mixed across the state. Despite the varying reports, the weather could not have been better. For most anglers, it was nice to again be boat-bound and on the water trolling, casting and jigging.

The Minnesota Sporting Journal crew was split up for the mecca of Minnesota’s angling season. Ben Brettingen was down at the Governor’s Fishing Opener festivities in his hometown of Waconia, Minnesota. From all accounts, the Governor’s experience was excellent, and the city of Waconia put on a good show.

I hit a walleye honeyhole in the backwoods of Central Minnesota with mild success. Lindy rigs and minnows were the tool of choice, and it was good to feel the tug-tug of ol’ wally again.

My only complaint was that the weather was too nice. Trolling our shallow spot with glass-like conditions made the fishing tough, but that’s not much of a complaint. I enjoyed basking in the setting sun with a rod in my hand.

The fishing season is now upon us, and the Minnesota Sporting Journal will be maintaining numerous fishing reports in the coming months. Good luck to all anglers on Minnesota lakes this summer. Let’s hope and wish for future walleye chop, hard strikes and heavy stringers.

By Matt Soberg