Governor’s fishing opener features fishing on guided boats, state fish hatchery tours
TREGO, Wis. – Wisconsin’s general inland fishing season kicks off Saturday, May 7 with the 51 st annual Wisconsin Indian Head Country’s Governors Fishing Opener on the Minong Flowage in Washburn County.
While anglers will be heading to lakes and rivers throughout the state, the Governor’s Fishing Opener includes the opportunity for the news media to hitch a boat ride on some of most productive waters of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists say the Minong Flowage is most notable for its abundant walleye and northern pike fishery.
In addition to the opportunities on the water for the news media Saturday morning, the three-day Governor’s Fishing Opener in Trego includes a fishing and outdoor expo open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Heartwood Conference Center and Retreat. Media and VIP events developed by tourism groups including the Washburn County Tourism Association and Wisconsin Indian Head Country include a tour of the Gov. Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery, a scenic train ride and pontoon boat ride.
A partial agenda follows:
· Friday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Wisconsin Opener Fishing and Outdoor Expo at Heartwood Convention Center, Trego
· Friday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Fishing opener banquet. Media interviews available from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett and DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp
· Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Guided fishing on the Minong Flowage
· Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Optional sightseeing tour (requires pre-registration) including the fish hatchery visit, scenic train ride and pontoon rides on Minong Flowage
· Sunday, May 8, noon – Awards lunch
Media interested in interviews with DNR fisheries experts on the area’s angling opportunities and hatchery should contact Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications,Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov, 608-770-8084. Media interested in interviews with Wisconsin Department of Tourism staff should contact Lisa Marshall, tourism communications director, lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com, 608-267-3773. Media interested in obtaining information on the area or to register for the event, meals and tours, contact Michelle Martin, Washburn County Tourism Association attourism@washburncounty.org or 715-520-2370.