UPDATE 5:30 P.M. THURSDAY: Anglers were pulling fish out of the Cannon River in downtown Northfield on Thursday afternoon, but they weren't out in full force.
A handful of folks were fishing along the railing in Bridge Square adjacent to the Fourth Street Bridge. Others could be seen casting lines north of the Third Street pedestrian bridge.
The fewer-than-usual number of anglers along the river could be credited to this week's discussion on whether not or fishing would be permitted from downtown Northfield's Riverwalk. "No fishing" signs were posted and a fishing ban was to begin on Friday to address debris and safety concerns.
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On Thursday afternoon, a number of "no fishing" signs on railing on Fourth Street Bridge remained. However, the sign that was attached to the railing in Bridge Square near the Ames Mill Dam was gone.
City Administrator Tim Madigan told the Northfield News the "advisory signs" would be placed near the Fourth Street Bridge and Froggy Bottoms Pub to address the garbage and safety issues.
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Folks who didn't clean up their act—literally—may receive "a stern talking to," Madigan told the News.
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ORIGINAL STORY, THURSDAY MORNING: Northfield’s forthcoming ban on fishing along the Riverwalk already was showing effects on Thursday morning.
Despite the glorious weather, there were no anglers casting their lines into the Cannon River from Bridge Square or elsewhere along the downtown riverfront walkway.
That sight was unusual, as the river typically is lined with folks with fishing rods.
The City of Northfield will prohibit fishing on the Riverwalk beginning on Friday, says the Northfield News. Debris left behind by some anglers is the culprit for the ban.
City Parks Supervisor T.J. Heinricy told the News that he removed 40 bags of various waste from the west bank of the Riverwalk in recent weeks. His department was directed by City Administrator Tim Madigan and City Engineer/Public Work Director Joe Stapf to install “no fishing” signs to walks and railings along the Riverwalk because of complaints.
"It's a couple bad apples, spoiling it for the rest," Heinricy told the News.
Click here to see the News’ story.
Madigan mentions the debris issue in his Administrator’s Memorandum on May 17.
“[City building official] Jim Kessler contracted with Service Master to address the grease issue on the east Riverwalk area,” Madigan writes. “TJ Heinricy had cleanup done on this area as well, due to some issues with the people fishing there. Signs will be going up limiting fishing on the Riverwalk near Froggy’s.”
