Family Fishing Day In Williston Promotes Outdoor Fun

There’s something about a fishing pole, a sunny summer North Dakota day, and a little bit of patience that can turn an ordinary Saturday into a memory kids will talk about long after the last fish story is told.

That’s exactly what families can look forward to at Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs, happening Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring Lake Park in Williston. Whether a child already considers themselves a future fishing legend or has never touched a rod and reel before, organizers say this event is all about showing up ready to fish — or ready to learn how.

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Eckert Fishing Event

Fishing Fun Made Easy for Williston Kids and Families

The invitation is simple: bring the kids, bring some excitement, and get ready for a fun day by the water.

One of the best parts? Youth who need a fishing pole may be able to get one at the event. Fishing poles will be handed out on a first come, first served basis for young anglers attending the event, while supplies last. So for families who have kids eager to try fishing but don’t have the gear, this could be the perfect chance to get started.

This event also wouldn’t be possible without some generous community support. Organizers are giving a big thank-you to United Sportsmen of Williston, whose commitment to youth activities in the community continues to make a difference. For the second year in a row, United Sportsmen has donated fishing poles for the event, helping make sure more kids can get in on the fun.

Another special shoutout goes to Scenic Sports, which is donating bait for the event for the third year in a row. That means all the young anglers will have what they need to cast a line and hopefully reel in something worth bragging about at the dinner table.

Eckert Fishing Event

More Than Fishing: A Fun Outdoor Day for Williston Kids and Families

Beyond the fishing itself, the event is really about creating a positive experience for local youth and families — one filled with learning, laughter, and maybe a few tangled lines along the way. After all, every great fisherman starts somewhere, and sometimes that “somewhere” includes asking, “Wait… which end of the pole do I hold?”

So if your kids are ready for an outdoor adventure, or if you’ve been looking for a way to get them off screens and into the sunshine, Spring Lake Park is the place to be on June 27. Just don’t be surprised if they come home claiming they “almost caught one THIS big.”

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Farming is the backbone of America—98% of the nation’s 2 million farms are family-run, feeding an average of 166 people each year. Though agriculture makes up just 1% of the U.S. economy, it’s rich in tradition and diversity, with more African American, Hispanic, and Latino farmers than ever before. One in four are new to the field, and many have served in the military.

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Gallery Credit: Scott Haugen