Albert Lea to host 2019 Governor’s Fishing Opener

Next year’s Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held May 9-12 on Fountain Lake, Albert Lea, Minn. This will be the first time in the history of the event that it will be held in Albert Lea.
The state’s tourism promotion office, Explore Minnesota organizes this event each year in coordination with a host community. The Governor’s Fishing Opener will be hosted by a committee of volunteers from the Albert Lea area.
“The Albert Lea area is a real recreational gem of southern Minnesota,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota. “Our organization is incredibly excited to work with this friendly, energetic community on one of our biggest cooperative promotional events of the year.”
The 521-acre Fountain Lake features several bays and is home to 20 species of fish.
“The Albert Lea lakes area is honored to be selected as the host site of the 2019 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener,” said Albert Lea Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen. “We are thrilled this will be the first time in the history of the event that it will be held in our area. I am grateful for the many organizations that pulled together for the opportunity to plan for the fun events and showcase our beautiful area.”
The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry, and in recent years, it has served as a kick-off for the summer tourism season. Travel and tourism generate $15.0 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually.
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other travel activities, attractions, and points of interest. Media from throughout the Midwest region attend the event, resulting in significant publicity for the host community and Minnesota.