Fishing opener is this Saturday, May 15. That means the start of fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike and trout in lakes, plus the kickoff of the summer tourism season.

As you prepare to hit the water for Saturday’s fishing opener, it’s vital to keep in mind that in many places the water temperature remains dangerously cold. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly.

The law requires anyone younger than 10 to wear a life jacket when boating, but the DNR urges everyone to wear a life jacket when they’re on or near water. This is especially important when water temperatures are low. Wearing a life jacket is the easiest and most effective way to prevent a tragedy.

Find information you need about learning to fish, regulations, where to fish, aquatic invasive species at mndnr.gov/fishing. And don’t forget to drive by the DAV brat wagon in the Premiere Theatres parking lot for a bite to eat Thursday or Friday before the opener.

Boaters should allow enough time to renew their watercraft registration if it has expired. The DNR encourages boaters to renew boat registrations online or at a local deputy registrar’s office rather than by mail. If boaters renew online, they can print out the confirmation page to use as a temporary permit.