Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener May 3-4 on Yellow Lake, Burnett Co.

DANBURY — The Northwest Wisconsin ITBEC Tourism Committee has announced that the 2024 Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener will be in Burnett County on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at Yellow Lake near Danbury.

The Wisconsin Governors Fishing Opener aims to raise awareness about the fishing and tourism industries in the state of Wisconsin. It brings dignitaries to the area, including the governor and cabinet secretaries from the state Department of Natural Resources and the state Department of Tourism.

The event was operated by Wisconsin Indian Head Country for several decades. In 2022, the torch was passed on to the Northwest Wisconsin ITBEC, which is comprised of 12 counties.

The Governor’s Fishing Opener kicks off Friday, May 3, with destination tours, including the Jordan Buck Heritage Hike on the Gandy Dancer Trail, Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park and the Northwest Passage Gallery. Event registration will take place in Siren at the Zhashagiins Event Center, followed by a banquet and program.

On Saturday, May 4, starting at 6 a.m., there will be a shore breakfast, followed by fishing at Yellow Lake. Tours of Governor Knowles State Forest, Brickfield Brewing tour and Burnett Dairy Co-op & Cheese Store will take place starting at 8 a.m. Family Fishing Day is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Crooked Lake State Park in Siren. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a Showcase Tour of Siren.