Cold Spring will host 2027 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener

Cold Spring will host the 79th Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, scheduled for May 14–17, 2027, Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday, June 25. Walz said the governor’s office will work with Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and local partners to plan the event that highlights tourism and fishing. The announcement notes that this will be Cold Spring’s first time hosting the opener, with the Sauk River Chain of Lakes and public lands presented as key attractions. Walz also referenced his experience at the 2026 opener in Stillwater, where he caught two walleye and a white bass, and participated in youth fishing and conservation activities. The Governor’s Fishing Opener dates to 1948 and has been held annually except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with mentions of past governors such as Rudy Perpich, Mark Dayton, Tim Pawlenty, and Arne Carlson.