Get Kids Outdoors has placed their Fish House on the Red Lake River in Crookston, and it is ready for use. The fish house is a project that has been in the works as part of the Adam Parnow Memorial. What better winter sport to get kids outside than ice fishing? Sounds cold, right? We took a walk out to the fish house Tuesday to explore. Fred Parnow was there to give us a tour and tell us about the fish house. “We are very excited to provide this for the community,” says Parnow. “It matches the mission that we have with our Get Kids Outdoors, Adam Parnow Memorial, and we just feel like it’s something that the community and the kids, more importantly, can use and learn from.”
Even living in Minnesota, not all kids have experienced ice fishing, and Parnow is hoping that the fish house will help get more kids out to give it a try. “For kids that have never experienced ice fishing, or parents for that matter, or grandparents, bring your grandkids out here.”
The fish house is free to use, and you can reserve it at Ace Hardware in Crookston or by calling 218-281-1749.
You get the key at Ace Hardware in Crookston and can reserve the fish house in four-hour slots from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.
There really isn’t anything you need to bring except the bait. There is a gas heater that was professionally plumbed, and the fish house has a carbon monoxide tester since safety is of utmost importance. The holes are cut, and open, rods and tackle are provided, and there are chairs to sit on and lots of information to read. Not sure what kind of fish you caught? There are posters to help you identify your fish, as well as a measuring strip to find out how long your fish is.
Also on the wall is a poster about ice thickness and safety. “Right now, the ice is plenty good for walking out, for ATV travel, snowmobiles, and that nature,” says Parnow. “It is not good enough for driving out with a vehicle; we are not at that point yet.” The fish house is not very far off the boat ramp down in Central Park in Crookston, so walking out to the fish house is very safe, and you can use the house. “When you are done, we have a key drop right outside the door. Drop the key in there, and hopefully, you take home some fish.”
One thing that Parnow wanted to make sure everyone knew was that the idea of the fish house was for the kids. An adult must accompany the kids at all times. Get your kids, have them grab a friend and some snacks, and pick up a key at Ace Hardware along with your bait. What a fun way to enjoy winter in Minnesota. Remember to respect the fish house and all that has been provided for your use inside so it can be used to Get Kids Outdoors for years to come.
Again, the fish house is free to use, and you can reserve it at Ace Hardware in Crookston or by calling 218-281-1749.
You get the key at Ace Hardware in Crookston and can reserve the fish house in four-hour slots from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.
