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In just a few short days, Minnesota’s fishing season will kick off on Saturday, and one of the highlights each year is the Governor’s Fishing Opener, which this year will be held at Crosslake this coming weekend.

One of Minnesota’s most anticipated pastimes, thousands of anglers will take to the state’s lakes and streams this year in a search for the trophy bass, the tasty panfish or even the legendary lunker.

Each year, the fishing industry pulls in big dollars to the state. In 2022, fishing generated $5.9 billion in economic activity according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. That was $4.7 billion more than hunting in that same year.

It’s an industry that helps drive our state in several ways and oftentimes money is funneled back into our natural resources. Again according to the DNR, money generated from license dollars goes toward paying for fish and wildlife management, public land infrastructure maintenance and habitat management both in fish and wildlife areas.

It creates a reciprocal relationship among our natural resources and those who take advantage of the rich opportunities the state has to offer across the state’s 4,500 lakes and 16,000 miles of fishable rivers.

However, there is also a certain part of this that depends on us and that starts at the beginning with the need to get a license.

In the State of Minnesota, those 16 and older require a fishing license that will last through to the last day of the following February, however, there are options for shorter-term licenses.

To qualify for a license, you must:

• Have established a legal residence in Minnesota for at least the past 60 consecutive days.

• If 21 or older, possess a current Minnesota driver’s license, state-issued identification card or have a receipt for an application for a driver’s license or state ID that is at least 60 days old.

• Be at least 16 years of age.

Accordingly, all non-residents regardless of age, must buy a license.

Of course this is just a starting point, because the responsibility that we all hold also comes down to maintaining what we have so the state can continue to be this beautiful gem of a fishing destination.

We’ve been something of an echo chamber for this over the years, but the message remains strong and clear — take care of the environment you are fishing in. Minnesota is able to draw on our natural resources as it does because people are willing to take care of the lakes and streams we fish in and that needs to continue in order to maintain a bright future.

That means keeping track of our garbage, following the laws established by the state and in all just being a good steward of the land and waters.

Follow the rules and never take more than is allowed and any chance you get, practice catch and release so that others may also enjoy the experience of fishing.

Fishing can be a treasure for families who gather each year in traditional spots already rich in memories.

However, it’s up to each and every one of us on a personal level to leave it like we found it. Maybe it’s cliche, but when we do that then everybody benefits.