Piers added with Get Out MORE funding

New fishing piers at Leech Lake in the city of Walker, and Lake Francis in the city of Elysian, are the newest of many fishing infrastructure improvements made possible by the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) one-time funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023.

“We’re proud of the partnerships we have with the cities of Elysian and Walker to get these fishing piers in the water,” said Jim Levitt, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shore fishing program coordinator. “These are examples of how funding from the legislature and coordination with local partners can make fishing better for anglers of all ages and abilities, including those who want to fish but might not have access to boats.”

The piers were finished in time for spring fishing opener in May, and Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8). Both piers are aluminum with steel frames and were made in Minnesota.

For the Lake Francis pier, the Minnesota DNR and the City of Elysian partnered to add the pier in a local park, where anglers can fish in a close and accessible location. It is located in Lake Francis Park at 200 NW Frank Ave. in Elysian.

For the Leech Lake pier, the DNR partnered with the...

To see more on this story pick up the June 19, 2025 print edition of the LifeEnterprise.