Leech Lake- Take A Kid Fishing is opening a weekend full of new experiences for many families.
The two day event hosted by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe invites kids to different areas within reservation boundary lines for a day on the lake. This year’s event is taking place at both Knutson and Winnie Dam recreation areas, Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th.
Attendees were given bait, poles, and the chance to win door prizes. Conservation officers, DRM officials, and Tribal Police all were in attendance Friday giving safety advice as well as boat and pontoon rides. Police Chief Ken Washington, who gave a safety speech before the start of the event said bringing kids outside to enjoy the tribes natural resources was the focus of the day.
It’s a good opportunity for kids to come out here, instead of sitting at home on the games and things like that. This is a great outdoor experience and it’s a good pastime,” said Washington.
Terrance Demarr, who said this was the first year he attended, brought all 10 of his grandchildren to the event. For a few of Demarrs grandchildren, it was their first time riding on a boat.
A couple of them have gone fishing, they just go out catch little sunfish and get excited, but for me it’s more fun just watching them. They’re excited, they’re screaming, they’re having fun. This is what i’d rather see these kids doing, growing up to do this kind of stuff.I’ve been fishing with my dad all my life, and now I get to pass that down,” said Demarr.
For more information on Saturdays Take a Kid Fishing Event at Winnie Dam, view the event on our event calendar here.
