Stillwater will be the site of the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday announced that the event — a way to highlight tourism and angling in the state — will take place on the St. Croix River at Stillwater May 8 and 9.
“Stillwater is a beautiful and historic town, and I am excited to bring the Governor’s Fishing Opener to the banks of the St. Croix River,” Walz said in a statement. “This event provides an opportunity to celebrate what makes Minnesota special and bring Minnesotans together to experience our exceptional fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.”
It marks the first time Stillwater has been chosen to host the opener. It’ll mark the 78th governor’s opener. Last year the opener was held at Cross Lake.
“I’m just super excited,” said Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski. “I think the river is such a great asset for us in Minnesota. We are the land of 10,000 lakes but we have a few really, really cool rivers!”
While he knew that Stillwater was in the running and that Discover Stillwater had done a “great job” putting together the application, Kozlowski said he didn’t have much hope that Stillwater would be chosen since many openers are held on northern Minnesota lakes.
Kozlowski said the community of Stillwater really steps up for big events.
“It’s really where Stillwater shines,” he said. “We all come together to put on these big statewide events. We couldn’t be more excited.”
He also offered a prediction: “This is going to be the year that we will have amazing weather for the fishing opener. I’m predicting it!”
Home to walleye, muskellunge, catfish
The St. Croix River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, is home to species such as walleye, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, flathead and channel catfish, white bass, and smallmouth bass.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources operates public water access points along the Lower St. Croix River at the St. Croix Boomsite in Stillwater, within Interstate and William O’Brien state parks, and a new one that opened last spring at Oak Park Heights directly north of the St. Croix Crossing Bridge.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, with First Lady Mary Pawlenty, holds a 17-inch walleye he caught during the Governor’s 60th Annual Fishing Opener on the north end of Pelican Lake in Breezy Point, Minn. in 2008. (Courtesy / Minnesota Governor’s Office)
“Discover Stillwater is incredibly excited to welcome the 2026 Governor’s Fishing Opener to Stillwater,” said Kelly Nygaard, president/CEO of Discover Stillwater, in a statement. “This event is a celebration of Minnesota’s fishing tradition, and an opportunity to introduce visitors to the charm and history that make Stillwater such a special place.”
Highlighting the state’s outdoor opportunities
Fishing guide Terry Tuma of Lakeville holds up the 10-inch sauger caught by Gov. Arne Carlson, right, on the state’s opening day of fishing Saturday, May 9, 1998. (John Doman / Pioneer Press)
Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, said in a statement that the opener serves to highlight Minnesota’s outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Stillwater offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant downtown charm and rich history, all set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Croix River,” she said. “We’re thrilled to work with local partners to showcase the area’s tourism appeal and kick off the summer season in a place that truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota hospitality and recreation.”
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen noted in a statement that the St. Croix River “offers fantastic fishing for Minnesota’s beloved walleye and also for many other fish like big lake sturgeon and flathead catfish.”
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