Gov. Walz Spends Minnesota Fishing Opener Weekend in Crosslake

Gov. Tim Walz was in Crosslake this past weekend to kick off the open-water fishing season in Minnesota with this year’s Governor’s Fishing Opener.

The governor had a successful day on the water, where he reeled in three northern pike. But before setting out on his fishing excursion, Gov. Walz commented on how maintaining fisheries and lakes helps bring in a substantial amount of money to the state.

“This is a recreational activity, but maintaining these fisheries and outdoor activities is an economic driver in Minnesota,” said Walz while addressing the crowd on Saturday. “We are the fourth largest fishing state, and our outdoor activities generate almost $14 billion of activity.”

Minnesota trails only Florida, California, and Texas in terms of the size of its fishing industry.

The event did not come without some controversy, as people filled Cross Lake and sported Trump flags and other memorabilia to protest Walz’s involvement in the fishing opener. Boats were seen following the DFL governor’s boat around the lake, where people were making their presence felt and utilizing a loudspeaker to heckle him.

But despite the protests, Crosslake mayor Jackson Purfeerst says it was a positive event for the city.

“Crosslake’s ideal with the 14 beautiful, pristine lakes that we have, as well as all of the amenities we can provide from bait to tackle to gas to food to lodging, so we really have it all in Crosslake,” he stated. “Politics aside, this was a big economic benefit for our community.”