Cold open; While it isn't exactly springlike out there, suddenly the fishing opener is upon us

Saturday marks another step in our slow-crawl spring this year: It's the fishing opener. While most lakes in the Carlton County area are open, don't expect them to be up north, especially in deep inland places like the Gunflint Trail, where ice remained on lakes this week. But it's always odd when we still have snow on the ground and are talking about casting those first lines for bass, walleye or northerns.

Here are some Minnesota fishing facts to ponder while on the water this weekend. They come courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

• The fishing opener refers to the sta...