Minnesota’s general walleye/northern pike/sauger fishing opener is on the Saturday two weeks before Memorial Day each year , which in 2026 is May 9.

Key dates for 2026

  • General inland opener for walleye, northern pike, sauger: Saturday, May 9, 2026.
  • This timing (two weeks before Memorial Day weekend) is the standard rule Minnesota uses each year for the main “opening fishing” date.

If you’re planning a trip, still double‑check specific species and special- regulation lakes with the Minnesota DNR’s current regulations, since some waters and species (like certain bass seasons) have different openers.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.