Rydell National Wildlife Refuge to host Youth Fishing Day on July 20
Jul. 15—ERSKINE — The Rydell National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host their seventh annual Youth Fishing Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
The free event is targeted toward youth ages 15 and younger. Anglers age 16 and older must possess a valid Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing license to fish on the Refuge.
Anglers are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle, but a limited number of rods and reels will also be available. Bait and 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, as well as for the biggest fish of each species and winners of the casting contest. Other surprise prizes will be awarded to participants as well, a release said.
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, participants are welcome to keep what they catch or practice catch and release. Fish that are caught will be cleaned for participants.
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 3 miles south of Highway 2, between Mentor and Erskine, at 17788 349th St SE.
For more information and to register, contact Refuge Manager Gregg Knutsen at
(218) 686-4329
or