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The Red Lake and Red River thawed almost a month ago, and the Greenway is starting to look green again. After a winter even as mild as this last one, walking the Greenway and observing the spring renewal of the river and her banks is one of Grand Forks’ most enjoyable diversions. The construction of the Greenway was necessitated by the catastrophic infrastructure damage caused by the flood of 1997. Now almost 30 years removed from the tragedy, the dikes, pathways, and amenities that make up the Greenway are a valued space for recreation.
Perhaps best put by their vision statement, “the Greenway of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks is a community asset that protects residents from flooding, preserves the ecological stability of the river corridor, provides year-round recreation, and supports an active lifestyle while connecting the two cities and honoring our river history.”
The Greenway offers kayak and canoe rentals, along with campsite rentals. Disc golf courses and foot golf courses span its range between numerous biking, skiing, and walking trails. The Greenway also hosts many native and migratory bird species and provides the perfect environment for birdwatching. There are also several public boat access ramps and docks for those looking to catch one of the river’s fat catfish.
After an amazingly mild winter, the Red Lake and Red River posed virtually no flood threat this year. The riverbank’s current condition is not only trekkable, but in some places it is proving conducive to early fishing efforts. I spoke with Dan “Catfish Dan” Spah, a local, born and raised, whose passion for fishing started right on the banks of the Red River.
“Fishing on the Greenway is a beautiful thing because the barrier for entry is low. That can be a rare thing in the world of fishing. I love the Greenway and think it’s one of Grand Forks’ greatest assets. It’s very accessible for fishing,” he said. “My nephew and I have found 20 or so bank fishing spots right off the trail in Lincoln Park. The dam near the mill, the public dock downtown, and the fork in the Red River where it intersects with the Red Lake River are all accessible from the Greenway too.”
Dan lives with his fiancé and her two children less than a stone’s throw away from a few choice fishing spots in Lincoln Park where he made sure to keep an eye on them all through March and April. That vigilance paid off on April 23 when he and his soon-to-be stepson reeled in their first channel cat of the season.
“I enjoy fishing because it’s a great way to unwind. We’re very fortunate to have trophy sized fish practically in our backyards,” Spah said. “Even if I get skunked, I still enjoy just being out there soaking in all the local wildlife and talking to other fishermen.”
Catfish Dan’s words capture the deep appreciation that many have for the Greenway and the outdoor activities and experiences it hosts. As a delightful individual and entertaining conversationalist, he is perhaps the perfect spokesperson for promoting Grand Forks’ finest asset.
Quindelynne Davis is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
