United Way’s kids fishing tournament returns June 14 in Beltrami County
Beltrami County kids can fish any public lake June 14, and half of each entry will go to a youth group they choose while the other half supports United Way.
The United Way of Bemidji Area is turning a summer morning on Beltrami County water into a fundraiser for local youth causes, with half of each registration going to the entrant’s chosen youth organization and half supporting United Way’s 2026 Campaign for the Community. The second annual Kids Edition Fishing Tournament is presented by Lueken’s Village Foods and is built to do more than hand out prizes.
The tournament is set for Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon. It is open to anglers 15 and under, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. Kids can fish on any public lake in Beltrami County, but the event is catch-and-release and requires participants to follow Minnesota fishing and boating laws and regulations. Organizers also say every registered child is entered into prize drawings, including a chance at a lifetime fishing license.
After the morning on the water, awards will be handed out at 1 p.m. at Cameron Park in Bemidji, on Paul Bunyan Dr NW. Tournament materials list prize categories for the biggest catches by species, plus bonus awards for best angler outfit, best team spirit, lucky 11, funniest fish face, weirdest fish and best boat setup. The range of categories gives young anglers a shot at recognition whether they are seasoned kids with a boat or first-timers fishing from shore.
The event has become part of United Way of Bemidji Area’s broader outdoor fundraising lineup, alongside the larger summer Fishing Tournament and Trap Tournament. The organization says its mission focuses on Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency, and its 2025 campaign raised $802,175.97 against a $775,000 goal. The first Kids Edition Fishing Tournament was held June 22, 2025, making this year’s outing the second straight summer the county has had a youth-focused version of the fundraiser.
Chelsea Oldham is the tournament director, and Halen Groenke serves as the United Way fishing committee liaison. Questions before the tournament can be directed to Halen Groenke at Halen@UnitedWayBemidji.org or 612-600-2147. Sponsorships are also in place at $1,000 for a Big Catch Sponsor, $500 for a Tackle Box Sponsor and $250 for a Minnow Sponsor, signaling that the kids tournament has already settled in as a regular part of United Way’s local fundraising calendar.
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