Cast a Rod at Rogers Lake to Promote Youth Fishing

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. What better way to pass the time and enjoy the outdoors than to fish? At least, that’s what Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby organizers want to show Mendota Heights youth.

As many as 60 anglers under the age of 14 (and accompanied by an adult) will compete at Rogers Lake to find the largest fish, the smallest fish and show the best cast.

“We want to see that the kids are getting connected to the outdoors through fishing,” said Jim Levitt, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries specialist. “It’s a lifelong passion.”

There is still room for aspiring anglers in the derby. Register at before 4:30 p.m. Friday or by 9 p.m. online.

Check-in is at 3 p.m. with the derby officially starting at 3:30 p.m. at the fishing pier. Competitors must bring their own pole. Contests are 20 minutes each, with entertainment by Woody from The Rockin’ Hollywoods at 4:30 p.m. Winners will be announced and trophies distributed at 5 p.m.

The derby first started with 10 kids in 1999 through a partnership between resident Cliff Timm and the city of Mendota Heights. Timm, a local fishing and nature enthusiast, was determined to expose more city kids to the popular Minnesota pastime, said Teresa Gangelhoff, recreation programmer for the city of Mendota Heights.

Most recently, in 2009, 397 fish were caught by 60 kids in 40 minutes. The derby was cancelled in 2010 due to severe weather and tornado warnings.

Timm, who passed away in 2005, was instrumental in creating the fishing pier where the derby now takes place as well as a fishing pier on Thompson Lake.

“He would actually feed the fish at Thompson Lake and Rogers Lake every day,” Gangelhoff said.

In the beginning, Timm would purchase the prizes and giveaways for the children involved in the derby. Now his trust ensures the event continues with plenty of activities, food and prizes. Top prize this year is a lifetime Minnesota fishing license. Other prizes include a rod and reel to the top casting competitor. Giveaways include hats from Gander Mountain.

In addition to the three contests, attendants will be able to see Minnesota native fish up close with the DNR fish tank display. The 100-gallon tank will include pan fish, walleye and other indigenous fish for kids to take a closer look. Levitt, who works with the DNR’s Fishing in the Neighborhood program, will also be on hand with instructions on identifying species while fishing.

Fishing in the Neighborhood stocks metro lakes and ponds, instructs and encourages fishing and partners with local municipalities for activities such as the Mendota Heights fishing derby.

“It’s a lifelong activity,” Gangelhoff said. “We’ve got 10,000 lakes—we might as well take advantage.”

*Editor's Note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct day of the event, Sunday.