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Experience fishing and canoeing adventures locally this summer

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The number of fishing, canoeing, kayaking and other activities at the new Outdoor Recreation Center at Prairie du Chien’s Washington Street Park are endless. Individuals and families with children are encouraged to participate in the scheduled events offered to beginners interested in checking out such adventures for free or low-cost. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Living along the Mississippi River, you might think everyone in the community takes advantage of leisurely activities such as fishing and canoeing. But that’s not necessarily the case. Some residents spend hours upon hours on the river each summer, while others might take the river for granted and only view it from a nearby park on occasion.

The Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department is trying to change that and get more people, especially families with children, involved with the adventures of fishing and canoeing. A number of free or low-cost programs are available this summer, all of which take place at the new Outdoor Recreation Center at Washington Street Park. And each of the programs is led by a local, volunteer expert who takes joy in passing along his knowledge.

Bob Witt and Lee Thomas, both lifelong fishermen from Prairie du Chien, are two of the skilled program leaders. Together, they have over 120 years of experience. They’ve worked for years teaching fishing to groups including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Opportunity Center clients, Badger Camp campers, tourists and families of all ages and sizes. And they’ve reeled in plenty of bluegill, perch, northern, crappies, bass, mooneyes and more, to the delight of their novice learners.

“There’s so many fish in the river and that’s what makes it fun,” Thomas said. “You never know what you’re going to catch. We have a great satisfaction in teaching. What we get out of it, is making someone’s day when they catch a fish.”

“It’s good, clean fun,” Witt added. “Just to be outside is great, but catching fish is a bonus.”

Whether it’s the Youth Fishing Derby, Youth and Family Fishing Camp, Outdoor Adventure Day Camp, Hook & Ladder Family Fishing and Paddling Fun, or just a day along the banks of the river with one young family, Thomas and Witt teach everything from casting, tieing hooks and setting cork to how much bait to use, fish identification, safety etiquette and land stewardship. They also delve into more advanced skills such as cleaning and cooking fish, fly fishing and ice fishing from time to time.

“The bottom line is trying to get them to catch a fish,” Parks and Rec Director Mike Ulrich said. “We don’t guarantee fish, but these guys try really hard to make that happen, and they make it fun.

The first and biggest of the fishing programs at Washington Street Park will take place next weekend. On Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, for a small fee, families are invited to participate in a morning of hands-on fishing, canoeing and kayaking fun as instruction is given to those wanting a sampling of these great leisure programs. All equipment will be provided. Hot dogs, chips and beverages are included and a fire truck will be on-site for children who wish to check it out. The first 100 youth in attendance will receive a new fishing pole, courtesy of Cabela’s. The Prairie du Chien Fire Department is also a sponsor of this event.

Ladies Night Out, which welcomes daughters, moms, grandmas and gal friends to the park for a night of relaxing fishing, will take place on Tuesday, June 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Equipment will be provided but adults are asked to have a fishing license.

On Sunday, July 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Prairie Rod and Gun Club and Stark’s Sport Shop will sponsor the summer Youth Fishing Derby. Equipment and bait will be provided, again for a small fee.

On Tuesday, July 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Youth and Family Fishing Camp, co-sponsored by Stark’s Sport Shop, will provide all ages the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun. The cost to attend this is a small fee per family.

Anyone 10 years of age and older who is interested in canoe/kayak classes may participate in two-hour clinics on Thursdays, July 16 or 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn essentials of boat fitting, maneuvering, paddling and other techniques. The classes are ideal for new paddlers. No roll experience is needed and no roll instruction will be provided. All must be competent swimmers. Resident and non-resident fees apply.

Outdoor Adventure Day Camp allows participants, ages 8 to 12, the opportunity to learn about how the settlers of Prairie du Chien lived and how everyone now enjoys the Mississippi River. Hands-on experiences such as archery, fishing and canoeing will highlight this fun day. The first session of camp is Aug. 3-6 and the second session is Aug. 10-13. Both will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Resident and non-resident fees apply.

According to Ulrich, this camp was so popular in 2014 that the second session was added this year.

To pre-register for the above programs, go to http://pdc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal, or sign up at city hall or in person at the event. For the Hook & Ladder and derby events, participants can simply show up the day of the activity. For more information, call 326-7207.

Those unable to join in the fun of these programs are also invited to simply check out the Outdoor Recreation Center at Washington Street Park. Canoes, kayaks, bikes and helmets, fishing poles and disc golf equipment can be rented there on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 4 p.m., or other days/times by appointment. PdC Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts help staff the center.

“We’re having really good success over there,” Ulrich said.

“We’re tyring to promote parents to get their kid outside to enjoy the outdoors,” Thomas said.

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