What’s Up Outdoors: Fishing opener starts off with a bang

Is it possible we had a Minnesota fishing opener without snow or freezing temps?

Yep, this year's opener was one of the nicest we’ve had in a while. And you could definitely tell by the number of people on the water. Most boat landings were chaotic to say the least.

Related: What's Up Outdoors: Early spring brings abundant choices
As for the fishing, for the most part anglers had pretty good luck from the Rainy River to Mille Lacs Lake, the walleye bite was pretty good. Around Mille Lacs the number of fishermen was unbelievable, even at midnight the lake was covered with red and green lights bobbing around. It kind of reminded me of the good old days on the big pond.

I did manage to stay up late and go out for the 12:00 a.m. start, which I haven’t done in a while. My buddy Timmy and I patiently waited for midnight and, with both of our first casts, we got a photo of our two walleyes before the clock struck 12:01 a.m. We really thought we were on to something but the next hour or so would go by with no other fish to show, but we sure started off with a bang.

Related: What's Up Outdoors: When fishing is fast and furious

JAMIE DIETMAN, What’s Up Outdoors, may be reached at 218-820-7757.