---

The non-profit Let’s Go Fishing chapter in this area has just gone over the 1,000 participants mark, a genuine milestone for what is currently a two-pontoon-boat operation.  And, not any too soon, Let’s Go Fishing is in the midst of adding a third boat to accomodate demand, according to Rick Olseen, local organizer and Let’s Go Fishing Board member.

The cruises provided by Let’s Go Fishing and its sponsors,  head onto the water on Rush Lake and the Chisago Chain at various times of the weekday.  The original pontoon is kept at Flickabirds and the second boat has a dock on private property on Chisago Lake but picks up at the public access.
The cruises provide an opportunity for those who may be wheelchair bound or have mobility constraints  or who are elderly or are veterans.  The idea is to enjoy a couple hours on the lake with family and/or new friends,  and a fishing pole in hand.  Life vests, poles, equipment, bait and water/snacks are provided.

Participants joke around and share their fishing  wisdom and make friends.  If youo’d rather,  sit back and just focus on the fish— that’s okay too.
The non-profit group also welcomes volunteers who are the soul of the program.  They assist at the dock, pilot the boats,  and help with unhooking fish and putting bait on.  The pontoons carry about 14 maximum so the groups are of a manageable size. There are various times for reservations so you can help out whenever your schedule allows.  

Olseen noted the Chisago Lakes schools’  fishing team members have been a big help this summer.

Contact 651-402-5960 to book an outing. Learn more about how to donate or volunteer by seeing the East Central MN Chapter of the Let’s Go Fishing website.  To simply mail a donation direct it to: Let’s Go Fishing East Central MN at P.O. Box 429 North Branch, MN 55056.

The press accompanied the boat on Chisago Lake with a group of Ecumen campus residents last week.

 It is a simple pleasure, boating under a blue sky, and the mystery of a big  lake beneath you as a snapping turtle follows the pontoon looking for bait scraps. Before you know it— there’s over two dozen fish being divvied up to be cleaned and made into filets.

Everybody was excited to have been able to be in the embrace of a glorious September day,  and looked forward to the fry pan or grill awaiting their catch.

---