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Governor's Fishing Opener on the Leech Lake Nation: Who Will Get More Fish? Governor Walz or Lt. Governor Flanagan?

"The fishing industry is a 4 billion dollar industry providing over 90,000 jobs from mom and pop bait shop owners to boat dealers..." Governor Tim Walz 5/13/22

Seasons and weather are always at the forefront of life in northern Minnesota. Even two weeks ago we weren't sure there would be ice off in time for opening fishing.

But spring has sprung and lakes are open - including Lake Winnibigoshish and Leech Lake on the Leech Lake Reservation. That's where the state's executive branch - Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan will be fishing - to highlight tourism in our region and settle their competitiveness once and for all. WHO WILL GET THE MOST FISH?

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We talked to the Governor and Lt. Governor Friday morning before opener.

If you are headed out don't forget all the things: personal flotation devices, clean your boats between lakes to not transfer AIS and being kind to all the folks that make tourism possible - often mom and pop establishments.

Jeff Sundin talked with us yesterday about shortage of shiner minnows - he's making a list of area bait shops and what you can expect.

Jeff also gave us the advice:

Opener advice includes checking your boats battery and using the MN DNR recreational compass interactive app on your phone. More at jeffsundin.com.

Heidi Holtan is Director of Content and Public Affairs. She manages producers/hosts and is the host of the KAXE Morning Show, including a variety of local content like Phenology, What's for Breakfast, Area Voices, The Sports Page and much more, alongside Morning Edition from NPR.