Fishing Challenge Set

The Upper Minnesota River Basin is hosting a youth fishing challenge this spring, summer, and into next fall for youth ages 8 to 16. The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 15.

The fishing challenge will provide an opportunity to learn about the diversity of fish found in the lakes, reservoirs, and streams of the Upper Minnesota River Basin, fishing techniques, aquatic ecology, nuisance species, and water quality.

Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult possessing a valid fishing license. Participants must keep a fishing journal to record species caught, date caught, bait and tackle used, method of fishing (fly fishing, ice fishing, etc.), and the name of the water body where the fish was caught. A photograph clearly documenting each species caught must be taken and placed in the journal. All fish must be catch and release and caught legally utilizing hook and line. Journals and photographs must be turned in at the end of the contest to be eligible for prizes.

Winners will be determined for each age group – 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16 years old. Winners will be based on number of species caught, completeness of journals, and participation in one other project-sponsored event (Step Outside, Paddle Fest, etc.) Each participant will be contacted with additional details and end dates for the contest.

The eligible water bodies in Roberts and Grant counties include: Big Stone Lake, Lake Farley, LaBolt Dam, Bullhead Lake, Hunters Quarry, Punished Woman Lake, Summit Lake, Lake Alice, Little Minnesota River, Jorgenson River, Whetstone River, and Yellowbank River.

The eligible fish species include Shortnose Gar, Common Carp, Creek Chub, Rainbow Trout, Quillback, White Sucker, Bigmouth Buffalo, Golden Redhorse, Shorthead-Redhorse, Black Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, White Bass, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Orangespotted Sunfish, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Walleye, and Freshwater Drum.

The challenge is sponsored by Day County Conservation District, Grant County Conservation District, Roberts County Conservation District, Arties Bait Shop in Ortonville, Runnings Milbank location, Sodak Ice Fishing League, LLC and Zirbel Seed.

For more information and registration forms visit www.neglwatersheds.org. Or contact Northeast Glacial Lakes Watershed Improvement and Protection Project, Day Conservation District at 605-345-4661 Extension 3.