ST. CLOUD, MN – (KROC AM News) - Governor Dayton failed to land a walleye during the annual Governor’s Fishing Opener - but at least he wasn’t skunked.

Dayton reeled in a 17 ½ inch smallmouth bass during the Saturday outing on the Mississippi River in St Cloud.

Joining Dayton on his pontoon were the two Republican leaders of the legislature, House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, who also brought along his daughter Lydia. The group caught a total of 6 fish. Five were smallmouth bass, the other was a northern(Daudt).

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith was on a separate boat. Her group included House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, Deputy Senate Majority Leader Michelle Benson, House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman, and House Assistant Minority Leader Ilhan Omar. They were much more successful than the Dayton boat, catching a total of 35 fish - but only one walleye. The rest were dogfish and mostly smallmouth and rock bass.

It was later announced next year’s Governor’s Opener will move back to a lake, where they are normally held. It will be held on Green Lake in Spicer, the largest lake in the Willmar Lakes area.

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