DULUTH (KQDS FOX 21) For anglers like Proctor's Jim Johnson and Esko's Jerry Andler the Minnesota state fishing opener starts the quest for the state fish.

"Just getting out and trying to get some fish. We're gonna try and get some walleyes," says Esko angler Jerry Andler, "We like to eat the fish we get a big enough one maybe mount it."

"I'm walleye hunter," says Proctor angler Jim Johnson, "I've been fishing this river for 35 years, pretty steady, I know where to go. Not that I'm a pro but I know where they're at usually."

But even seasoned local fishermen know this year's long winter changes the game.

"We are going to have to work to fish this year we gotta work to find out where are spots were. Because, everybody has their spots," says Vermillion Fuel and Food's Morgen Carlon, "This year they're not going to be the same spots as they normally are."

Even the renowned hot spots are proving tough.

"I've had 100 fish days out here myself. You know come out catch 100 fish. There's days you'll come out and you won't catch 3 fish," says Johnson, "We spent 4 hours and we got 2 fish this morning."

And heading north only brings more difficulty.

"Very, very small parts of the lake are open right now," says Carlon, "It's been a tough opener, It's, it's been one for the books."

Like the Wisconsin opener the Minnesota State fishing opener was cold and wet but today conditions better and walleyes between 25 and 30 inches have been caught here on the St Louis River and say while spotty they're out there.

"My son was with and he got a 25 inch," says Johnson, "Course he thought it was a snag and gave me the rod cause he was messin' with the other one and I go that ain't no snag. Beautiful fish."

Even as far north as Lake Vermillion, open water can be found if you're up for the challenge.

"There are some bays open," says Carlon, "you just gotta look for them that you can get out on."

Despite the chilly conditions these fish finders plan to keep chasing the elusive lunkers.

"Next weekend will be better," says Johnson, "It's gonna be warmer and there's still gonna be plenty of fish out here."

MN Park Requires Fossil Hunt Liability Waiver

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