Organizers for the International Eelpout Festival, held annually on Leech Lake for the past 40 years, announced today that the festival will not be held this hardwater season.
According to a release from the International Eelpout Festival, they and Cass County have come to an impasse on lake enforcement.
“Over the years, attendance has multiplied substantially,” the release said. “Each year with more attendees, equals – more traffic, more trash and more safety concerns.”
The organizers say they are “the only permit holder required to supply services and clean up,” but are not allowed “to control the lake.”
The release also says the costs, which are reportedly tens of thousands of dollars, to provide porta-potties, ice-road maintenance and trash pickup, are also making the festival unfeasible.
The Eelpout Festival was almost held in Bemidji in 2018, but Beltrami County officials were concerned about the impacts of the festival on Lake Bemidji.
