Kim Fundingsland/MDN Ken Cumber, Jamestown; Rick Eagleson, Fargo; Mike Anderson, Riverdale; two representatives of the North Dakota Sportfishing Congress; and Rob Holm, Riverdale.

GARRISON – Four individuals and one organization have been inducted into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame. The honors occurred July 15 prior to the Governor’s Walleye Cup rules meeting at the City Auditorium.

One of the inductees, Ken Cumber of Jamestown, had to wait an entire year for his special recognition. He was originally set to be inducted in 2020 but that ceremony was canceled due to coronavirus.

Cumber was recognized for his long-time service to sportfishing and preservation of fishing resources in the state. As a member of the North Dakota Sportfishing Congress and Dakota Anglers, Cumber has been actively involved in numerous projects to improve fishing facilities, habitat and resource, and provide opportunities for youth fishing.

“My grandfather started me with a chokecherry branch and a piece of twine and a stick for a bobber,” said Cumber following his induction. “He always had time to take off from farm work and take the kids fishing. I’m humbled and honored to be in the hall of fame and I’m happy to be here with my family.”

Rob Holm of Riverdale recently retired project director of the Garrison Dam and Valley City National Fish Hatcheries, was inducted in the class of 2021. Holm played a key role in the partnership between the North Dakota Game and Fish Department the federal hatcheries, developing and maintaining an effective partnership.

In addition to overseeing the rearing of millions of walleyes to be stocked into North Dakota waters, Holm has been a leader of several major fisheries projects, including bringing pallid sturgeon back from possible extinction in the Missouri River system. Additionally, he has displayed a willingness to help educate others, positively promote sportfishing, and preserve and protect the fishery resource.

“This is awesome,” said Holm after receiving his honor. “The list of folks that are in the hall of fame, it’s impressive. It’s humbling to be nominated and inducted. It’s incredible! To have all the families here, all the kids in the crowd, that’s what I’m thinking. This is the next generation coming up.”

Fargo’s Rick Eagleson, a founding member of the Fargo-Moorhead Chapter of Muskies Inc., is well known for his fundraising efforts on behalf of that organization. He was also a founding member of the North Dakota Sportfishing Congress and has held numerous positions in both organizations. Eagleson was also cited for his focus on youth fishing and education.

“This means an awful lot to me,” said Eagleson of his Hall of Fame induction. “I’ve met so many good people, many good relationships. I’m very happy with what I’ve been able to do with these wonderful people. I have so many good memories and fond relationships. They taught me what to do and when to do it and we’re passing it on the the next generation.”

Mike Anderson of Riverdale rounded out the list of new individuals inducted into the hall in 2021. Anderson has been an active supporter of sportfishing and preservation of fishing resources in North Dakota for more than 50 years. He was a founding member of the Great Planers Trout and Salmon Club and has held multiple offices within that organization.

“I was really shocked when I heard I was going to get inducted into the hall,” remarked Anderson. “It really means a lot to me. Fishing is a sport that everybody should be involved in, especially the young people. I spend most of my time with that in the back of my mind. I want to teach people how to fish and do whatever I can to help.”

Rounding out the 2021 inductions was the North Dakota Sportfishing Congress, which was formed in 1986 to provide a unified voice in the state for issues of importance to sportfishing and the fishing resource. The Sportfishing Congress is composed of representatives from fishing clubs and related organizations throughout the state.

The North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame is located inside North Country Marine and Motorsports in Garrison. More on the Hall of Fame

can be found at ndfishinghalloffame.org.