Minnesota Fishing Opener Dates
The opener is the Saturday two weeks before Memorial Day weekend — an unofficial state holiday.
Minnesota's inland walleye, sauger and northern pike seasons open on the Saturday two weeks before the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Bass harvest in most of the state opens on Memorial Day weekend Saturday, and muskellunge opens on the first Saturday in June. Crappie, sunfish, perch and other panfish are open continuously.
The dates below are calculated from those rules. Border waters, Lake Superior, stream trout and individual lakes with special regulations can differ, so confirm with the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations before you go.
| Season | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye, sauger & northern pike | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Saturday, May 15, 2027 |
| Bass harvest (most of the state) | Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Saturday, May 29, 2027 |
| Muskellunge | Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Saturday, June 5, 2027 |
| Crappie, sunfish, perch | Open all year | Open all year |
Where to go on opening day
The top-ranked walleye lakes in the state.
1.St. Louis River Estuary
82 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Duluth10,255 acres
2.Lake St. Croix
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater8,393 acres
3.Lake Pepin
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreGoodhue · Lake City12,299 acres
4.Leech Lake
92 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker103,444 acres
5.Lake of the Woods
84 out of 100 Lake ScoreLake of the Woods · Long Point725,583 acres
6.Lake Vermilion
80 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower39,272 acres
7.Mille Lacs Lake
81 out of 100 Lake ScoreMille Lacs · Garrison128,250 acres
8.Cross Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Pine City925 acres
9.Lake Kabetogama
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,034 acres
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Minnesota fishing opener?
The 2026 walleye and northern pike opener is Saturday, May 9, 2026. In 2027 it falls on Saturday, May 15, 2027.
How is the opener date set?
State law sets the inland walleye and northern pike opener as the Saturday two weeks before the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, which puts it between May 9 and May 15.
Can I fish before the opener?
Yes, for species that are open. Crappie, sunfish and perch have a continuous season, and many anglers fish panfish from the day the ice leaves.