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Take-a-Mom Fishing this weekend, but not for walleye (2004-05-05)

In Minnesota, Moms can fish without a fishing license on Take-a-Mom Fishing weekend (May 8 and 9). But, guys out there still need a fishing license. And don't worry about Moms taking all the walleye a week before the statewide fishing opener on May 15. Moms can fish for free on May 8 and 9, but only for those fish species that have a continuous season, like yellow perch and crappies. Even Moms have to wait until May 15 when the game fish season opens to fish for walleye and northern pike.

"Once in a blue moon, about every seven years or so, Mother's Day is the weekend before the walleye opener," said Tim Goeman, DNR Regional Fisheries Manager for Northeastern Minnesota. "That causes confusion. Moms can fish for free, but only for those fish species with open seasons. We don't want the Take-a-Mom Fishing trip to end up with illegal taking of fish."

The walleye/northern pike/inland lake trout fishing opener is always two weekends before Memorial Day weekend. That is usually the same weekend as Mother's Day, but this year, 2004, it's a week after Mother's Day.

The opener for largemouth and smallmouth bass is May 29 in most of the state. However, north and east of Highway 53 (Arrowhead area) the opener for bass is May 15, the same as the walleye/northern pike opener.

And, if you fish muskellunge (muskies), the opener is even later - June 5.

So, Moms, enjoy the free fishing on Mother's Day weekend, May 8 and 9, just make sure it isn't for walleye.

For more information, contact: Tim Goeman, Regional Fisheries Manager, 218-327-4415 or Jean Goad, Public Affairs Officer, 218-327-4262


 

 

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