HAYWARD, Wis. (WRN) — Today, Gov. Tony Evers, members of his cabinet and other dignitaries are fishing on Nelson Lake, near Hayward for the 60th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener.
It’s Evers’ last opener as governor, since he announced he is not seeking reelection. He and is cabinet have a friendly contest for the biggest fish and most fish caught. At stake, ice cream cones.
People are invited to attend the Family Fishing Day, a free event at the Lake Hayward Beach running from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today. There will be the DNR Fishmobile, a mobile aquarium, fishing lessons, kids games and prizes, booths and displays and a food truck.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener event, began 60 years ago with then Governor Warren Knowles, as a way to promote fishing and tourism in Wisconsin. The event is now hosted by ITBEC, a tourism coalition representing 12 counties in northwest and northern Wisconsin.