ERSKINE — The Rydell National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host its eighth annual Youth Fishing Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
The free event is targeted toward youth ages 15 and younger. Anglers ages 16 and older must possess a valid Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing license to fish on the Refuge.
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Youth 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 along with a fish-cleaning demonstration and casting seminar.
Fishing within Rydell NWR is only allowed from three piers located on the west end of Tamarac Lake. Special vehicle access will be allowed during this event for what is normally a hike-in or bike-in only fishing area.
So far this summer, the bluegills and large-mouth bass have been plentiful on Tamarac Lake, a release said. During the event, participants are welcome to keep what they catch, or practice catch and release.
Attendees should arrive at the main (east) Rydell entrance on Saturday morning, where they will be checked in and given more detailed event information. Youth can stay for the entire four-hour event, or just a portion of it.
Rydell NWR is located three miles south of U.S. Highway 2, between Mentor and Erskine, at 17788 349th St. SW.
For more information, contact biologist Ben Walker at (218) 230-5563 or benjamin_walker@fws.gov.