FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

TREGO-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, days away from learning who his Democratic opponent will be in his recall election, dropped a line in the water on Saturday for this year's fishing opener.

The season brings about 400,000 sportsmen to the state's 15,000 lakes. The fishers also bring their wallets, spending around a quarter billion dollars in tourism money.

Those numbers are emphasized by the Governor after weeks of criticism for state job losses.

The Washburn County Lake destination, however, offers a calming moment.

Walker took to Trego Lake at 7:30 a.m. with the man who once controlled the lake's dam.

"I'm not a guide. I'm just a guy who fishes here a lot,” Tom Ricci, host fisherman, said. "And when they're biting they're biting and when they're not they're not."

But what is certain: Walker's Democratic opponents have been nipping at him more each week leading up to the June 5th recall election.

"People say they can't believe that in the middle of a campaign season I’d come out for this. It's a tradition. It's the 47th annual,” Walker said.

Started by former Wisconsin Governor Warren Knowles, the event has come to Trego three times. Ricci also hosted former Governor Tommy Thompson.

“Tommy couldn't catch anything,” Ricci said.

Walker didn't have better luck. He says he identifies himself more as a hunter of pheasant and other fowl.

But the DNR says the season allows time for practice.

"The hunting season is more like football. It's more intense. It's shorter. And fishing is more like baseball where it stretches from here to eternity,” Kevin Harter, Wisconsin DNR public relation manager for the Northern region, said.

Walker says the relaxation on the trip is worth it.

"You go to get away from it all. To get away from business. To get away from work. To get away from politics. On the lake it just a good time to enjoy yourself,” Walker said.

That’s especially true this year for the Governor. His extra security was not needed because no protesters showed up at the event.
 
Democrats, battling for their chance to take on the Governor, are Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, and Secretary of State Doug Lafollette.

Their primary is this Tuesday.