Latest news with #MilleLacsLake
CBS News
11-05-2025
- CBS News
Minnesotans are hitting the water as Gov. Fishing Opener takes place
The Governor's Fishing Opener is this weekend The Governor's Fishing Opener is this weekend The Governor's Fishing Opener is this weekend Many Minnesota families are having fresh walleye or bass for dinner this weekend as fishing season is officially here. For over 15 years, a normal day for Matt Treno consists of taking people like you fishing. But this weekend, it's different. "People are enjoying the weather, the great weekend and the big fishing opener in the State of Minnesota," said Treno, who owns and operates Matt's Fishing, guided excursions on Mille Lacs Lake. It's the opener, which he blocks out for his friends and family. "We've been targeting small mouth this morning," he told WCCO. But small mouth isn't all, the Lake's also common for northern pike, jumbo perch, crappie and Walleye, which has less of a restriction this year. "We are allowed 2 fish per license angler, they have to be over 17 inches and one fish can be over 20 inches," said Treno. But restrictions don't stop there, and if you're 16 and older with a rod in the water, you must have a license whether you're with a guide or not. Treno's nephew has a lifetime permit, because for many Minnesotan's like the Treno's, it's a family tradition. "I think it's almost a holiday for many people," said Treno. Just like for Andy Treno, Matt's brother, when previously living in Colorado. "I'd hop on a plane and come back... he's been a guide for 18 years but I think we're on year 28 or 29 with the group of us coming on the lake for the opener" Andy Treno told WCCO. And until the season closes on February 28, 2026. "Fishing is such a big thing for so many people" Matt Treno added. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulates fishing rules across the Land of 10,000 Lakes, learn more on their website. For more information about Matt's Fishing, click here.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Increased walleye limit on Mille Lacs Lake has anglers excited for fishing opener
The Minnesota fishing opener is just hours away, and thousands of anglers are expected to make their way to the state's lakes and rivers. Fishing opener weekend begins in the kitchen at Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort in Isle. "We are making pizzas, burgers, wraps. It's what I know and what I love to do. I love feeding people," said Ty Relbecker, head chef. Typically, business here doesn't pick up until Memorial Day weekend. But with a nearly perfect forecast, they're reeling in visitors from across the Midwest. "The five-state area. Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, those are our main ones," said Aliah Vanchelli. Vanchelli is the general manager at Appeldoorn's. She said the forecast for fish isn't bad either. Especially for walleyes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is now allowing anglers to keep two walleyes per day on Mille Lacs Lake. They have to be longer than 17 inches and only one can be over 20 inches. It's the news Appeldoorn's and other resorts have been waiting for, after years of walleye restrictions. "Everybody is very excited about it. That's one of the main things that they've been calling in for this year, is fishing. In the past it hasn't been as good. We're seeing an uptick," said Vanchelli. Vanchelli said that momentum will likely carry through the summer. Reservations have gone up and it's possible that there could be weekends ahead where nearly all of their 44 cabins are booked. "We are booking up fast and we are booking up good. It's very solid this year," said Vanchelli. "The resorts in general are making a really great comeback now that the DNR has changed some of the regulations and stuff for the fishing, so people are super excited this year."
