Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Prettner Solon to open fishing season in Brainerd Lakes Area

ST. PAUL, MN - As nearly 500,000 Minnesotans gear up to go fishing this weekend, Governor Mark Dayton is getting ready to host Minnesota's 67th Annual Governor's Fishing Opener in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Headquartered at Grand View Lodge, the weekend's events will feature fishing, family fun activities, a live concert with the Gear Daddies, and a community picnic in downtown Nisswa that is expected to draw a crowd of more than 5,000 Minnesotans.

"I thank the Brainerd and Nisswa communities, and Grand View Lodge, for their tremendous work in hosting this year's Governor's Fishing Opener," said Governor Dayton. "Lt. Governor Prettner Solon and I are looking forward to this weekend's events. With help from my great fishing guide Ray Gildow, and a little bit of luck, I hope to catch a fish this weekend."

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 celebration for the summer tourism season. Fishing generates an estimated $2.4 billion in direct retail sales annually in Minnesota, supporting 35,000 jobs statewide. Minnesota has the second-highest angler participation rate of any state in the nation (32 percent).

"The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to some of the finest fishing in the world. This weekend, I look forward to catching plenty of fish and promoting the great recreational experiences that our state offers," said Lt. Governor Prettner Solon. "I also want to extend my gratitude to the people of Nisswa and Brainerd for their hospitality and for organizing the 2014 Opener."

For more information about the 2014 Governor's Fishing Opener, including a full list of public events, visit this website. Photos of Governor Dayton, Lt. Governor Prettner Solon, and various Fishing Opener activities will be posted online at this link throughout the weekend.

In conjunction with the Fishing Opener, Governor Dayton is launching his official Instagram page. Follow @GovMarkDayton and the hashtag #GFO2014 throughout the event for photos and updates.

Governor Dayton's Fishing Opener Public Schedule
The following is a list of public events Governor Dayton will be attending at this year's Governor's Fishing Opener in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Fishing License Purchase
Governor Dayton will purchase his fishing license at SandW Bait Shop in Brainerd on Friday, May 9 at 3:00pm. Members of the press are invited to attend.

Nisswa Community Picnic
Governor Dayton will provide remarks at the Nisswa Community Picnic on Friday, May 9 at 4:00pm. The Governor will greet picnic attendees, and hold a media availability beginning at 4:50pm.

Midnight Fishing
Governor Dayton, fishing guide Ray Gildow, former Chief Justice Eric Magnuson, and Tom Brown will go fishing on Gull Lake at 12:01am on Saturday, May 10. The Governor will speak with members of the press just before midnight fishing at the Gull Lake Docks at Grand View Lodge. He will also speak to members of the press at the Gull Lake Docks right after he returns to shore.

Saturday Breakfast
Governor Dayton will attend the morning breakfast at Grand View Lodge on Saturday, May 10 at 7:00am.

Morning Fishing and Sendoff Ceremony
Governor Dayton will hold a formal sendoff ceremony and media availability before departing for fishing on Saturday, May 10. The sendoff ceremony will begin at 8:00am at the Gull Lake Docks at Grand View Lodge. The Governor will begin fishing at 8:20am. Fishing with the Governor will be fishing guide Ray Gildow, Nisswa native and 2013 Miss Minnesota Rebecca Yeh, her brother Phillip Yeh, and State Rep. John Ward. The Governor will also take questions from the press when he returns after fishing.

Shore Lunch
Governor Dayton will attend the Shore Lunch at the Gull Lake Docks at 11:30am on Saturday, May 10.

Lt. Governor Prettner Solon's Fishing Opener Public Schedule
The following is a list of public events Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon will be attending at this year's Governor's Fishing Opener in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Fishing Host Appreciation Dinner
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will attend the Fishing Host Appreciation Dinner at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 8 at Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter.

DNR MnAqua Kids Fishing Activities
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will help teach 4th grade students the skills and joys of fishing on Friday, May 9 at 9:45am. The DNR MnAqua Kids Fishing Activities event will take place at the Grand View Lodge beach area.

Nisswa Community Picnic
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will provide remarks at the Nisswa Community Picnic on Friday, May 9 at 4:00pm. The Lt. Governor will greet picnic attendees.

Midnight Fishing
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon and fishing guide Toby Kvalevog will fish on Gull Lake at 12:01am on Saturday, May 10. The Lt. Governor will speak with members of the press just before midnight fishing at the Gull Lake Docks at Grand View Lodge. She will also speak with members of the press at the Gull Lake Docks right after she returns to shore.

Saturday Breakfast
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will attend the morning breakfast at Grand View Lodge on Saturday, May 10 at 7:00am.

Morning Fishing and Sendoff Ceremony
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will provide remarks at the formal sendoff ceremony before departing for fishing on Saturday, May 10. The sendoff ceremony will begin at 8:00am at the Gull Lake Docks at Grand View Lodge. The Lt. Governor will begin fishing at 8:20am. She will be joined by fishing guide Toby Kvalevog and her son Matt Prettner. The Lt. Governor will take questions from the press when she returns after fishing.

Shore Lunch
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will attend the Shore Lunch at the Gull Lake Docks at 11:30am on Saturday, May 10.

Celebration Dinner
Lt. Governor Prettner Solon will provide remarks at the Celebration Dinner on Saturday, May 10. The celebration reception begins at 6:00pm.