Minnesotans travel and prepare for Saturday's fishing opener

(FOX 9) - Anglers all over Minnesota are preparing their rods, reels and tackle for Saturday’s fishing opener.

Hundreds of thousands of fishermen are already flocking to their favorite fishing spot to try their luck tomorrow.

For the first time in four years, anglers will be able to keep a walleye from Lake Mille Lacs. The DNR is allowing anglers to keep one walleye, but only during a three-week stretch from Saturday through May 31.

After a long, cold winter, DNR officials are expecting lakes to be pretty busy over the weekend.

Saturday morning, about 500,000 anglers are expected fish on Minnesota’s opening day across more than 5,500 fishing lakes.

With the water still so cold, the DNR is urging that a life jacket is an essential tool for a safe outing.

If you are planning to be out in a boat, state law requires a properly-fitted life jacket for all children 10 and under. For everyone else on board, the jackets must be accessible and wearable.

Starting this year, the Hennepin County Sheriff is partnering if with North Memorial to make loaner life vest available at three “flotations stations” stocked with 20 life jackets in various sizes from infant to adult.

Gov. Tim Walz is also getting ready for his first Governor’s Fishing Opener to be held on Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake.