Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host their 7th Annual Youth Fishing Day at Rydell NWR on Saturday, July 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This free event is targeted at youth age 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 and a casting contest. Certificates will be given to participants who catch their first fish, the biggest fish of each species, and the winners of the casting contest. Other surprise prizes will also be awarded to participants!
Fishing within Rydell NWR is only allowed from three piers located on the west end of Tamarac Lake. Special vehicle access will be provided during this event to what is normally a hike-in/bike-in only fishing area. So far this summer, the bluegills and large-mouth bass have been plentiful on Tamarac Lake. During the event, you’re welcome to keep what you catch – we’ll clean them for you – or practice catch and release.
Participants will be checked in and given more detailed event information when they arrive at the main (east) Rydell entrance on Saturday morning. Youth can stay for the entire four-hour event or just a portion of it. Rydell NWR is located at 17788 349th St SE, 3 miles south of Highway 2, between Mentor and Erskine.
For more information, please contact Gregg Knutsen, Refuge Manager, at 218-686-4329 or email gregg_knutsen@fws.gov.
