ST. Paul 鈥� Gov. Tim Walz on Monday, Aug. 8, announced that the 2023 Fishing Opener was set to take place in Mankato for the first time in the event's history.
The governor traveled to south-central Minnesota to make the announcement Monday. And he said the state chose Mankato to host the event to highlight the Minnesota River Valley region, including several prime spots for anglers.
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鈥淚 am incredibly excited to bring the longtime tradition of the Governor鈥檚 Fishing Opener to Southern Minnesota and my hometown of Mankato,鈥� Walz said. 鈥淭his 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.鈥�
Southern Minnesota has played host to the opener just five times since the annual event got its start in 1948. Mankato is set to welcome anglers to the kick-off to summer tourism event May 12 and 13 of next year.
Tourism leaders in the area said that the community was "thrilled" to be picked to host the event in 2023.
鈥淭his key event for our state will put a spotlight on the variety of fishing and outdoor recreational assets throughout the Greater Mankato Region,鈥漵aid Jessica Beyer, President & CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. and Visit Mankato.
The annual fishing opener is expected to look more traditional in 2023 than it has in recent years after the state took a "hybrid approach" to the event earlier this year, holding events and news conferences at several locations.
Walz canceled the event in 2020, due to COVID-19 and Otter Tail County hosted a smaller get-together in 2021.
Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter , call 651-290-0707 or email dferguson@forumcomm.com.
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