The Minnesota Fishing Opener That Wasn't

Due to unprecedented weather, a massively thick sheet of ice still covers the surface of Minnesota's "big three" walleye lakes - Leech, Mille Lacs, and Winnibigoshish.  Fishing opener, nearly a religious experience for Minnesota anglers, is ostensibly closed.

In fact, in Walker, Minnesota it is currently snowing.

I've fished Leech for opener for nearly 30 years, and have never seen anything like it.   Spring has still not arrived in force in the upper Midwest, and it is a killer for sportsmen and those that make their living off of them.

Fortunately, the weather is getting significantly warmer next week, which is good because my crew and I are headed to Leech for our annual trip.  But if the projected weather will be enough to open up the lake prior to our arrival is a question still be be answered.

Global warming, my butt.