MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota DNR is passing on the love of fishing to a new generation.
 
With the fishing opener taking place this weekend, the DNR jumped at the chance to get a new group of young kids ready for the big day.
 
As part of its “Fishing in the Neighborhood” program, 70 third graders got to try angling for the first time Thursday on Wolfe Lake in St. Louis Park.
 
The program teaches kids about fish biology and habitat needs.
 
Organizers said it’s important to show kids there are opportunities to get out and fish, even if you live in the city.
 
“We’re really just getting them out and showing them where to go, and letting them know that there are opportunities. And that’s kind of what this lake is. ‘Hey, I want to fish but I don’t have a spot to fish.’ Well, here it is. That’s probably Number 1, making them aware of the resource, getting them outside to enjoy it, and letting them know it’s a heck of a lot of fun,” Mario Travaline, a fisheries specialist with the DNR, said.
 
For anyone else that wants to go fish for walleye or northern pike, the fishing opener is Saturday.