Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host their 5th Annual Youth Fishing Day at Rydell NWR on Saturday, July 23, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This free event is targeted towards youth ages 15 or younger. Anglers age 16 and older must possess a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license to fish on the Refuge. A limited amount of fishing tackle (rods and reels) will be available, or youth anglers are welcome to bring their own. Bait will be provided free of charge. The fish won’t be the only ones eating for free – lunch will be provided for all participants.
The event will also include a fish cleaning demonstration, a casting seminar, and a contest. Certificates will be given to participants who catch their first fish, as well as for the biggest fish of each species and the winner of the casting contest. Other surprise prizes will be awarded to participants as well!
Fishing within Rydell NWR is only allowed from piers on Tamarac Lake. Shuttles will transport participants from the Refuge Visitor Center to Tamarac Lake and back.
Pre-registration is required. Please call or email one of the below contacts no later than Thursday, July 21, to sign up for the event.
All participants should check in at the Refuge Visitor Center on the day of the event. Rydell NWR is located 3 miles south of Highway 2, between Mentor and Erskine, at 17788 349th Street SE.
To register or for more information, please contact Gregg Knutsen, Refuge Manager, at 218-686-4329 / gregg_knutsen@fws.gov or Bryce DuChamp, Visitor Services Intern, at 218-637-1060 / bryceduchamp@gmail.com.
