There's a Width column on the Columns tab of the Folder Options dialog. Make sure that the Auto-size columns option on the Display tab is off, too.
There's a FAQ which covers the filter.
I think the easiest way is to set the window size as you want it and then use Settings -> Set as Default Lister to tell Opus to remember the size. (If this doesn't work let us know how you are opening your lister(s).)