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Welcome to the Fishing Hall of Fame

Kim Fundingsland/MDN Inducted into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame during a July 14 ceremony in Garrison was, from the left, Clayton Folden, New Town; Paul Haug, Fargo; Richard Fink, Bismarck and the Lake Region Anglers of Devils Lake represented by Bob Gibson, Jay Hagen and Dave Magnuson.

GARRISON – It was a very proud moment and a great honor for the most recent inductees into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame.

Three individuals and one organization were recognized for their contributions to the sport of fishing in North Dakota during a ceremony at the Garrison City Auditorium. Those honored were presented with a plaque, Hall of Fame jacket and will have their photograph and list of achievements entered into the Hall of Fame located in North Country Marine and Motorsports in Garrison.

The inductions were held July 14 immediately prior to the rules meeting for the annual Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby. The latest additions to the Fishing Hall of Fame are Clayton Folden, New Town; Paul Haug, Fargo, Richard Fink, Bismarck; and the Lake Region Anglers Association of Devils Lake.

Although he can be found near fishing waters virtually anywhere in the state, Folden has been a long-time fixture on Lake Sakakawea, particularly in the Van Hook area near New Town. Not only does Folden boast a solid reputation as an excellent fisherman, he won the Governor’s Cup in 2004, he has been a tireless advocate for the sport and has been very instrumental in promoting facility improvements for the benefit of others.

Among his many notable contributions to the sport of fishing, Folden was deeply involved in efforts to construct a new boat ramp and breakwater at Van Hook. He is an original board member of the Friends of Lake Sakakawea and has always found time to introduce others to the sport. Folden has participated in numerous charity fishing events, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“That’s the way fishing is for me. I’ve got a passion for it. I just love it,” said Folden. “It’s not as easy as I get older but I still go every day. If I’m not in the boat, I’m standing on the shore casting jigs and minnows.”

Haug is no stranger to hall of fame honors. The Fargo resident was inducted into the Muskies, Inc. Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2006, he was recognized with an award of appreciation from North Dakota Game and Fish for many years of service to North Dakota anglers. Haug is long-time member of Fargo-Moorhead Muskies, Inc., the North Dakota Sportfishing Congress, a member of FM Walleyes Unlimited and Friends of Lake Sakakawea.

Richard Fink has been active for more than 40 years with North Dakota sportfishing. His resume includes serving as president of the Bis-Man Reel and Rec Club, a founding member of the “Take A Kid Fishing” program and dedicated involvement to “Lure ‘Em For Life” which provides opportunities for underprivileged children to go fishing. Fink has unselfishly donated countless hours to ensure that others are able to enjoy the sport of fishing in North Dakota.

The Lake Region Anglers Association has long been known as one of the state’s leading sportsmen’s organizations. The club conducts many events on Devils Lake and participates in many community activities throughout the year. The club provides scholarships for youth so that they may attend outdoor sporting and fishing education events and has been very successful in promoting improvements for sportfishing throughout the Devils Lake region.

“It’s really hard to fathom how far our organization has come from six people sitting around a table in 1975 looking into the future,” said Dave Magnuson, a founding member of LRAA. “Most organizations don’t have all the volunteers that this one does. It’s just amazing.”

Jay Hagen, current vice-president of LRAA, said it was a “great honor” for the club to get inducted into the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame. He too gave credit for the honor to dedicated club members who generously volunteer for a variety of events, including cleaning fish at major tournaments on Devils Lake.

“At the end of August, we do a community corn and fish fry with the Chamber of Commerce,” said Hagen. “We cook for 400 t0 600 people.”

The recent inductions bring the total number of individuals in the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame to 32 and organizations to three. Further information on the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame, including nomination forms, can be found at ndfishinghalloffame.org.

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