The idea of establishing a dedicated fishing pond has been in the minds of several U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees for more than a decade. Refuge Manager George Gage and Special Agent Cleveland Vaughn, both now retired, not only helped to develop the idea but also played a key role in securing a major partner for the development of the pond and facilities.

Steve Van Riper, a refuge operations specialist, continued the

Straddling the Missouri River, the DeSoto refuge encompasses over 7,800 acres, including an oxbow lake. The popular fishing site receives about 250,000 visitors a year on average. The renovated pond, which now has a handicapped accessible fishing pier and shelter, has been stocked with large mouth bass, crappie, blue-gill, and channel catfish.

One of the major objectives of the project is to provide youth visitors a memorable experience when they fish this catch and release classroom. Outdoor activities include casting and equipment use, knot tying, fish handling and identification, safety, fishing ethics, and techniques.

With hundreds of youth using this site each year, the young people of inner-city Omaha, local native Americans, and other youth in the local communities will be the long-term benefactors. For more information, contact Steve Van Riper, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley, IA 51555. Phone: 712-642-5411.