Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host their sixth Annual Youth Fishing Day at Rydell NWR on Saturday, July 15, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This free event is targeted towards youth aged 15 or younger. Anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license to fish in 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 as lunch will be provided for all participants.
The event will 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 to the biggest fish of each species and winners of the casting contest. Other surprise prizes will be awarded to participants as well.
Fishing within Rydell NWR is only allowed from the shore on the west end of Tamarac Lake. Special vehicle access will be provided during this event to what is typically a hike-in/bike-in-only fishing area. So far this summer, the bluegills, and large-mouth bass have been plentiful and hungry on Tamarac Lake.
On Saturday morning, participants will be checked in and given more detailed event information when they arrive at the main (east) Rydell entrance. Rydell NWR is 3 miles south of Highway 2, between Mentor and Erskine, at 17788 349th Street SE.
For more information, please get in touch with Gregg Knutsen, Refuge Manager, at 218-686-4329 or email gregg_knutsen@fws.gov or Denali Johnson, Visitor Services Intern, at 218-687-2229 extension 31478.
