Wander Minnesota: Fishing Opener

Minnesota's fishing opener is only two weeks away. Are you ready? Many lake resorts have specials for the early months of the season, and some have packages specifically for opening weekend (or, as it's also called, Mother's Day weekend). Book now for the best prices.

A few examples:

Leech Lake is a perennial fishing favorite, and several resorts have opening specials. Brindley's Harbor is offering pricing normally reserved for late fall for the first few weeks of the fishing season. Bailey's Resort offers significant discounts from fishing opener into early June, while Huddles Resort offers 20% off published prices for the opener.

Over at Lake Mille Lacs, Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort has low-season pricing from opener until Memorial Day weekend. Camp Holiday offers low-season rates through May 22.

The Gull Lake area around Brainerd has lots of options too. Madden's has its annual fishing opener specials (and bring non-fishing family along for Madden's "Progressive Pampering" spa specials). Cragun's takes a different approach by offering specials not for fishing opener—but for Mother's Day weekend. The Good Ol' Days Resort has a number of different specials valid throughout May (except Memorial Day weekend). Woodland Beach Resort has deeply discounted rates through June 21. Lost Lake Lodge starts its all-inclusive plan (including meals at the highly regarded restaurant) on May 10 with discounts available through June 19.

In the Detroit Lakes area, Lake Crest Resort has low-season pricing until Memorial Day weekend, as do East Silent Resort and Tamarac Bay Resort.

Around the Alexandria Lakes area, you can find early season specials at Shady Rest Resort, as does Lakeshore Resort.

West Crooked Lake Resort offers a 20% discount for opening weekend.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.