The long-awaited Minnesota walleye opener is finally here! Anglers across the state are gearing up for what’s expected to be a strong start to the 2025 fishing season. Whether you’re heading to Leech Lake, Gull Lake, or Lake Vermilion, we’ve got you covered with the latest insights, tips, and a checklist to make sure you’re ready for action this opening weekend.

Leech Lake: Clear Water and Changing Habits

Leech Lake continues to evolve, with clearer water conditions and shifting weed lines. Expect to find walleyes staging on windblown points, rock transitions, and shallow flats—especially early and late in the day.

Hot Tips for Leech:

• Target depths of 6–14 feet early in the season.
• Use jig and minnow combos or Live Bait rigs tipped with shiners and leeches.
• Use your side imaging and forward-facing sonar to locate roaming fish off of structure.
• Popular areas include Pine Point, Goose Island, and Otter Tail Point.

👉 Looking for a guide on Leech Lake? Book a Leech Lake guide trip with us and maximize your opener.

Gull Lake: Reliable Action Near Brainerd

Gull Lake is a consistent producer for the opener, especially with stable weather conditions in the forecast. Look for walleyes near sand-to-rock transitions and weed edges, particularly in Booming out bay, Grassy Point, and The Zorbaz Channel.

Gull Lake Tips:

• Early morning and dusk will be prime bite windows.
• Don’t overlook a slip bobber with a leech on calmer days.
• Jigging Rap-style baits can trigger aggressive fish around midday.

🎣 Explore our Gull Lake fishing guide services for a customized opener experience.

Lake Vermilion: Big Water, Big Walleye Opportunities

Lake Vermilion’s diverse structure and stained water often produce trophy-class walleyes early in the season. Focus on current areas, shallow rock piles, and neck-downs.

Vermilion Tactics:

• Stick with a 1/8 oz jig and rainbow or shiner minnow.
• Target 6–12 feet, especially near creek inlets or wind-blown shorelines.
• Troll crankbaits on long breaks if the shallow bite slows.

🛶 Check out our Lake Vermilion guide packages to dial in big walleyes this opener.

What to Have Ready This Weekend

Before you hit the water, make sure you’re ready with this quick checklist:

• ✅ Fishing license (purchase or renew via MN DNR)
• ✅ Fully charged batteries and functioning electronics
• ✅ Bait: shiners, rainbows, leeches
• ✅ Life jackets and safety gear
• ✅ Updated lake maps on your electronics (Navionics, Humminbird, Garmin)
• ✅ Proper rod setups: medium-light for jigs, medium for trolling
• ✅ Weather-appropriate clothing – expect cool mornings!

For more prep tips and fishing content, check out our full fishing blog archive.

Fish with the Pros this Opener

At Leisure Outdoor Adventures, our team of experienced, licensed fishing guides is ready to help you make the most of the Minnesota walleye opener. Whether it’s your first opener or your fiftieth, having a local expert at your side is the best way to unlock early-season success.

📅 Book your opener trip today — limited availability for opening weekend!

Tight lines and safe travels this opener. We’ll see you on the water!