How was Crosslake chosen to host Governor's Fishing Opener?
- The Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener took place in Crosslake on May 9, 2025, marking its first time hosting on the Whitefish Chain.
- The event's hosting requirements changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer facilities needed and a smaller-scale approach compared to earlier years like 2014.
- The Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism evaluated several communities and recommended Crosslake, which was then selected by the governor's office.
- Nicole Lalum explained that they simplified the event to its core components, allowing greater flexibility for communities to participate and represent themselves more openly.
- Hosting the Opener can boost local economies through media coverage and storytelling, though Crosslake will likely be off the host list for about a decade.
13 Articles
13 Articles

How was Crosslake chosen to host Governor's Fishing Opener?
CROSSLAKE, Minn. — In its 77 years, the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener was never in Crosslake on the Whitefish Chain, specifically Cross Lake, until this year. Requirements to host the event have changed since it was last held in the lakes area in 2014 in Nisswa on a much larger scale than in recent years. Even so, it was a surprise that Crosslake was chosen as the host community this year. "Crosslake has not applied in at least the past 15…
Gov. Walz Spends Minnesota Fishing Opener Weekend in Crosslake
Gov. Tim Walz was in Crosslake this past weekend to kick off the open-water fishing season in Minnesota with this year's Governor's Fishing Opener. The governor had a successful day on the water, where he reeled in three northern pike. But before setting out on his fishing excursion, Gov. Walz…
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