SPICER, MN – The 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was a success! With good weather in Spicer, Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton and his fishing party caught eight fish Saturday morning on Green Lake. Lifelong Willmar area resident Kelly Morrell, a highly accomplished angler and active local community member, hosted Governor Dayton as his fishing guide.

“We had a great time... I caught three bass, which made my whole day, made my last Fishing Opener very special,” said Governor Dayton upon returning from fishing. “We had a good outing. All of you here in Spicer, New London, and Willmar have been so fabulous. You have been such great hosts. The temperature may be cool, but the spirit of the occasion warmed everything up. We had a great time, and I can’t thank you enough.”

Joining the Governor in his boat were House Speaker Kurt Daudt, House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, and Majority Leader Gazelka’s son, Josh. Altogether, the Governor’s boat caught seven fish, including three bass caught by Governor Dayton, each weighing in at approximately 1.5 pounds, 2 pounds, and 2.5 pounds, respectively. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Gazelka also caught two bass each.

Additional photos from this weekend’s Governor’s Fishing Opener in the Willmar Lakes Area will be uploaded to this website throughout the day.