(PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FAMILY TIME … A local family enjoyed a peaceful morning of fishing, a first-time event for their son!
MEMORIES … A catch to remember as these young anglers proudly show off their success during the Montpelier Fishing Derby.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier North Wildlife Habitat Site hosted a fishing derby on July 26, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event, organized by The Shelly Company and Montpelier Parks & Recreation, offered a morning of shore-based fishing, bird watching, and hiking at the 70-acre restored natural site; formerly a sand and gravel mining operation.
Fishing poles and bait were provided for participants who needed them, and the community was welcome to bring their own equipment as well. Registration was offered online or on site in the early morning.
Even though the weekend hosted cloudy weather and sprinkles, the derby was held rain or shine. The event was even listed as a passport-sticker event, where locals could join in the ongoing Montpelier summer fun.
Located north of the St. Joseph River and near the Lake La Su An Wildlife Area, the Montpelier North site is recognized for its environmental conservation efforts.
Certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council as a “Wildlife at Work Site,” the area features native grasses, pollinator gardens, basking logs, and a 50-acre lake, which has hosted educational fish tournaments and monitoring projects.
Fishing derbies are most frequently held in the fall time, however The Shelly Company wanted to host something for its summer attendees as well.
The Shell Company has worked hard to preserve and enhance the site’s biodiversity, offering habitats to frogs, turtles, waterfowl, pollinators, and most importantly, plenty of fish to go around.