6th Annual Trout Day

[Jim W]

Planning for the 6th Annual Trout Day in Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is underway.

This is a day where folks new to the stream and veterans to the wade come together.

In recent years, I have seen an increase in youth attendance. We even have a Scout troop that has made this a Spring tradition.

Typically the day involves fishing, guest speakers, electro-fishing and free door prizes for attendees.

We can always use volunteers, those familiar with stream fishing both fly and spin to assist with the AM fishing.

If you would like to donate to the event or provide door prizes you can contact us here or at [email protected]

More to come...

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim

[Matt Johnson]

I've been to Trout Day a couple times and it's a worthwhile experience. A great opportunity for those looking to learn about small river systems. A lot of knowledge is shared throughout the day. The potential of catching a lot of nice trout and smallies is there as well. The staff there know their stuff when it comes to wading trout streams. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, Trout Day can be a lot of fun!

[Renneberg]

Jim, last year I was informed from the scout leader, that of all the trips his troop takes Trout Day is the only one that everyone of the kids look forward too.

I also noticed that the parents that came with the scout troops had a great time at Trout Day too.

[Rick]

This is a sweet event and Jim runs a great day for kids and adults alike.

Just look at the two nice trout I'm holding (look left) that Jim W helped me catch at last years trout day

[Tyler Holm]

I'm looking forward to this day. If we're going to be catching trout like Rick is holding, I may need to rethink my trout gear.

[Fish_Hunter]

Tyler if you can catch trout that big, you will be my hero!!

[Renneberg]

I second Fish_Hunter!

[uffdapete]

It doesn't look good this year because it's 360 miles farther now and no time off. However I would encourage anyone who would enjoy a day outdoors either teaching or learning about trout fishing to put this on your calender.

Jim you can send somebody to my "hotspot" this year downsteam from Carimona. I've taken kids there in past years and had a blast on trout day. It's an easy place to get into and fish and usually not too crowded early on - perfect place to take a kid. This is a perfect event to practice the "take a kid fishing" thing.

Last year we the action was good enough that my 10 yr old guest was late for the drawings which meant coming up with a worthy prize when we got home.

[Renneberg]

A date has been set. Trout Day 6 is going to be April 29th in Forestville State Park.

I hope everyone that wishes to attend can make it!

[DARK30]

Jim, Any idea of the date yet? Better make reserves for the boys soon I guess.

Rick, Those are a couple of real nice browns!

[Renneberg]

Dark30, Trout Day 6 is April 29th.

[Jim W]

All,

Like to give a better look at the 6th Annual Event.

In the AM (8:30-9:00am)we will organize to hit the moving waters of the South Branch. We plan to have both fly fisherman and spin-fisherman to take interested people or small groups down to the stream. Here you can give it a try or simply observe(not much fun if you ask me).

Or if you choose head out on your own.

Upon returning, we will gather around the fire to listen to this years guest speaker Al Batt.

Al writes four weekly humor and nature columns (Tales from Exit 22, From the Batt Cave, Batt Droppings & A Batt in your Belfry), for many newspapers, and does a radio show three times per week on a number of radio stations.

He writes a number of popular cartoon strips that are syndicated nationally and has written jokes for a former President of the United States. He has written for a number of magazines and books, including the Chicken Soup For the Soul Series. He is a contributing author to the book, Minnesota Bird Watching.

Al appears each week on Memories and Musings by Al Batt on KSMQ TV.

In a nut shell, an individual I thought you all would like to meet at this years event!

After lunch and Al, we head back to the stream to hang out with Steve Klotz from the Lanesboro fisheries office.

This is where we watch, listen and learn as he demonstrates electro-fishing and provides insight into current trout and stream conditions in SE MN!!

TBD: Sometime during the day we draw for door prizes.

Some of this years prizes include guide trips, winning trout prints gear and tackle.

I can always use additional experienced stream walkers to assist with Trout Day. In past years I have witnessed quite a few individuals coming down who want to give this trout fishing a shot for the first time. Or some want to simply watch or ask questions regarding stream fishing. I can't possibly do it all alone.

If you want to help me out you can e-mail one of this years helpers Steve at [email protected]

Thanks and see ya there!

Jim Wernimont

[hanson1287]

Jim,

I would like to help out with this but I'm not very knowledgeable about trout stream fishing. Maybe you could show me a thing or two at work sometime.

Taylor

[Ufatz]

I tried to post a private message regarding Trout Day and the system won't let (?) or am I not doing something correctly? Wanted to talk to the top dog, the big kahuna, the organizer and ramrod of the event. Tanks!

[WxGuy]

Check the very first post of this thread and you'll find his email. There are no private messages on the forum, so you'll have to contact the "big kahuna" that way.

[Jim W]

I forgot to mention,

This event is 100% FREE!!!!!

Attendees to Trout Day 6 even recieve a discounted daily park admittance nto the State Park!!!!

Plenty of camping in the park with other camping spots near by.

Best give Forestville Mystery Cave State Park a call to reserve your spots!! 507-352-5111. I know of a couple scout troops who plan to camp that weekend.

Make it a weekend and check out the brand new Mystery Cave Center!!!

Can always use additional volunteers, donations etc.

Can contact at [email protected] or you can contact me at [email protected].

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[Renneberg]

Here's just some of the people and companies that are donating to the 6th Annual Trout Day.

Northland Fishing Tackle

Gander Mountain

Mepps

Prints of the '03, '04, (workin on '05) and '06 Minnesota Trout Stamp winners!

Guided trips from:

Scott Steil- Mille Lacs lake

Ace guide service- Lake Vermillion

Cliff Wadenbach- Lake Vermillion

We are still taking donations. If you'd like to donate to the 6th Annual Trout Day email us at [email protected]

[Rugbyguy]

What do we need to bring to trout day? I volunteered to help out and I will also be bringing down some teenagers to participate in the fun. Also, are we meeting at a specific location in the state park? I can't wait!!

[Jim W]

Hello,

First and foremost, please pay attention to the elements out of doors. The past 5 years has been a roller coaster of weather. Dress accordingly.

If you have fishing gear for the stream please bring it.

Fly rod, waders, Light spinning gear and tackle.

Don't forget to bring something to eat. Most bring a sack lunch. We are a good 15 minutes from either Spring Valley or Preston. I will provide light morning food and beverage.

You can arrive earlier if you like to fish longer.

When coming into the park, you need to stop at the park office for your admittance. Here is where you pick up your discounted daily park pass. Then you meet up at the Park Pavillion.

It is simply down the road, over the river and on your left.

Ask the park folk if needed. They are all super nice people!

Thanks for asking us to clarify! I am sure others had similar questions!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[Rugbyguy]

Sounds great Jim. Thanks for clearing that up. I will be bringing spinning gear as the funds are too low for a fly rod right now.

[Lucky Dogg]

hey all, looking forward to trout days this year. i'm havin a few friends come along this time, and was wondering what the name of the little camp site is on 118 just west of the park. thx for any info and see you all on the 29th, later Dogg

[Jim W]

I believe there is a campground named <Maple Springs West of the park.

All,

Let's try to have everyone at the pavilion between 8:30 and 9:00am(closer to the 8:30 side if possible). The sooner we get things rolling in the AM the more fishing everyone can

get in.

In addition I would like to thank Culvers of Rochester for their huge role in making Trout Day.

Thanks!!

Jim W

[Jim W]

We are approaching the one month window! Donations are still coming and are greatly appreciated!!

Let's try to have everyone at the Pavilion by 8:30AM. You are more than welcome to come earlier to start the day off with a cup of coffee and rolls/donuts.

If you have questions please ask!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

For those volunteers returning from last year...you are welcome to set up camp at my place once again. Renneberg has a clearer picture of numbers than I. So please contact Steve if you wish to camp out at my place...sit around the "smart fire" etc.

Steaks are on me Saturday evening!!

[Muskyfreak131]

Hey Jim,

I was planning to volunteer and help out then I realized that the date was April 29th. The 29th is my daughter Meghan's birthday and we are having a b-day party. So i thought that maybe i still could help out. so about what time will the time frame be for Trout Day 6

Ej

work is that time wasted

between fishing

[Renneberg]

Muskyfreak,

Trout day starts at 8:30. Fishing starts at 9am. Taking people fishing is when we need volunteers the most as we are expecting a very good turnout this year. If you'd like to help out please email me at [email protected]