Wahpeton Daily News – By Wayne Beyer
Fishing, a lifetime activity, has always been a priority, just like youth sports, with Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.
I am reminded of the importance of mentoring fishing to young children, watching four-year-old grandson Jack skillfully cast his Zebco 202 spincast reel while we bobber fish along shorelines for bluegills.
The Twin Towns are fortunate to have a fishery like the Bois de Sioux, Otter Tail and Red rivers that flow through the cities. The rivers are big enough to hold fish, yet small enough to cast across that any fish could be caught. They provide year-round outdoor recreation.
It was always exciting to see children bicycling to river hotspots with a rod and reel flung over their handlebars. Same thrills seeing elders make their way down the bank!
We have been fortunate to benefit from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF). Our fishing licenses are great investments. Bob Frohlich, NDGF Fisheries Development Supervisor who manages grants, has been especially helpful.
Fishing piers are placed on the Red River across the swim pool in Chahinkapa Park, just north of equipment sheds along the Bois de Sioux Golf Course and at the Kidder Recreation Area between the rock rapids and Highway 210 North bridge.
The Kidder Recreation Area low head dam was the second rock retrofitted dam on the Red River. The final dam at Drayton was renovated this past year so fish migration is possible from Canada to its confluence in Breckenridge-Wahpeton. Welcome, giant channel catfish!
Larry Brunkhorst visioned a wildlife club that could support fishing. The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) was a perfect partner for Parks-Recreation to start youth fishing derbies.
The Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby is scheduled on the first May Saturday. Vince Herding, long-time RRASC president, was all smiles when kids came fishing. With his rosy red cheeks, he was like a year-round Santa Claus with young children.
The Dick Bell Catfish Tournament started with the Carousel Days Festival on the first June Saturday. It was remarkable to see Dick’s patience as he showed young fishermen how to tie knots with their monofilament line near Wahpper, the world’s largest channel catfish.
Brunkhorst relished that you never really knew what was on the line in the river until the fish was lifted out of the water. “Brunk” was hilarious when he imitated a fat-lipped carp so RRASC coined “Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Derby” to celebrate catching non-game fish.
Ice fishing derbies started on the rivers, sometimes during sucker runs visible under the ice. The Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby, now championed by Gary Page and his dedicated Heitkamp Construction crew, attracts hundreds at its mid-February event on Heitkamp Pond.
Shoreline fishing and accessibility have benefitted from several NDGF grants. Roger Jensen designed concrete fishing platforms after observing his father’s desire to keep fishing. It was Brunk’s idea to add steps by the rock rapids instead of traversing rock riprap.
NDGF grants supported the Kidder Recreation boat ramp and dock, fish cleaning station and stabilizing several shoreline fishing areas. Every single river project needed a Corps of Engineers permit, sometimes a lengthy process.
The North Dakota Sportfishing Congress supported legislative funding for addressing Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) that included a grant for a boat cleaning station at the Kidder Recreation Area. Zebra mussels made their way to North Dakota from the Otter Tail River to the Red River. Shucks!
Canoes and kayaks were obtained from North Dakota Surplus and locals to be available for rentals to fish open water in the area. NDGF sponsored a “Rod and Reel Loaner Program” where our inventory started. Fly fishing rods and reels were obtained from a NDGF volunteer class.
The Junior Wildlife Club often capitalizes on fishing. Its first activity was a presentation by professional fisherman Mike Miller. Youths have learned to make jigs and cast from mentors.
Reasons to take kids fishing are endless, including fun, getting outdoors, family bonding time, wildlife observation, nature exploration and relaxation. Fish taste delicious and are high in protein. Catfish are revered in Texas, just like North Dakota, and often featured at restaurants.
The Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby is scheduled at the Kidder Recreation Area from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Fishing equipment and bait are available, if needed. Melissa Schumacher and Becci Truesdell, Vince’s daughters, and Rich Truesdell do a super job. Don’t miss an opportunity for children to fish the great Red River of the North.