Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today toured a state fish hatchery in St. Paul ahead of the fishing opener. The facility was the first state-run hatchery established in Minnesota. Today, the facility produces young walleye, muskellunge, and tiger muskie used to stock lakes across the state. Photos from the visit are attached and linked here .

“Fishing is one of our greatest outdoor traditions, and it makes up a $4.4 billion dollar industry in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Hatcheries are an essential part of conservation and the system we have to ensure the continuation of our fishing and outdoor recreation industry. We need to make investments to repair and improve our aging fish hatcheries and outdoor infrastructure to ensure world-class fishing for decades to come.”

“Fishing is embedded in the culture and traditions of communities all across our state - and one of the ways we celebrate the very best of Minnesota,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I am proud of the work being done at our state hatcheries to preserve this critical outdoor industry, and I look forward to joining Minnesotans and getting out on the water during this year’s opening weekend.”

The St. Paul Fish Hatchery is one of 15 hatcheries operated by DNR, each of which specializes in one or more fish species. Like the St. Paul hatchery, most of these facilities were constructed decades ago—many predate the 1960s—and need renewal and modernization. Critical issues, including biosecurity, aging infrastructure, and safety, need to be addressed within the hatchery system. The One Minnesota Budget for DNR proposes investments in these facilities, fisheries management, and the lakes and rivers where Minnesotans fish.

“Like so many Minnesotans, I can’t wait to get back out on open water and cast a line for walleye this fishing opener weekend. The outstanding and diverse angling opportunities we experience during opening weekend and throughout the season depend on the work and dedication of DNR staff and partners, and the investments Minnesota makes in managing our fisheries resources,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “By investing in the infrastructure, places, and people that make fishing opportunities possible across the state, we help support our economy and the premiere outdoor recreation experiences Minnesota is known for.”

The state’s diverse aquatic habitat, from Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods in the north to small, cold streams in the Driftless Area of the southeast, offers world-class fishing that DNR’s hatcheries support through stocking programs. The One Minnesota budget’s Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) proposal would make a $118 million General Fund investment, which would combine with additional funds in the Governor’s bonding proposal, to ensure all Minnesotans are able to take part in Minnesota’s outdoor traditions. The General Fund proposal includes $35 million to enhance fisheries and fishing infrastructure, $35 million for modernizing boating access, and $15 million for restoring streams and modernizing water-related infrastructure to support outdoor recreation.

Minnesotans will head to lakes and rivers for the opening of the walleye, sauger, and northern pike season on Saturday, May 13, and the tradition will be celebrated in many ways. The 2023 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in the greater Mankato area Thursday, May 11, through Saturday, May 13.May 13-14 is also Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, when Minnesota moms can fish for free without a license and participate in the virtual Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge.