Media & Recognition

3 Rivers Fishing Adventures YouTube Channel

The 3 Rivers Fishing Adventures YouTube Channel showcases a variety of fishing adventures featuring Darren and his network of fishing friends. Along with exciting catches, the channel offers insights, pro tips, and expert techniques to help anglers improve their skills. With around 13,000 subscribers and 9 million views, it has become a go-to resource for river fishing enthusiasts.

Facebook Fishing Group Owner and Administrator

Darren founded a Facebook group that serves as a community for passionate anglers to connect, share experiences, and discuss river fishing. The group emphasizes selective harvest practices and the protection of trophy fish in Minnesota, fostering a culture of conservation and responsible fishing.

Minnesota Catfish and Sturgeon Facebook Group - over 8000 members
Facebook Digital Creator with 20,000 Followers and 15 million + video views

Community Contest Organizer

Darren organizes community fishing contests to promote the sports of catfishing and sturgeon fishing while encouraging camaraderie among anglers. Each competition is designed to support catch-and-release practices, ensuring the sustainability of these species for future generations. All contests are personally created and managed by Darren, fostering a fun and conservation-focused fishing community.

King of the Cats (2007 - Present) - contest open to all interested parties throughout the summer/early fall season. Biggest 5 fish of the year wins!
Whisker Run (2012 - Present) - invitational contest for avid catfish-fishermen and is run once or twice a year.
King of the Sturgeon (2012 - Present) - Seasonal Sturgeon Contest 3 times a year.

Media Appearances and In the News

Darren has been featured on television and radio outdoors programming to provide pro tips. Here are a few:

Muscling Big River Flatheads (In-Fisherman July 2023)
Ice Fishing for Sturgeon (Prairie Sportsmen 2023)
Flatheads and Get The Lead Out (Prairie Sportsmen 2023)
Mother/Daughter Sturgeon Trip (KARE11 Breaking The News October 9, 2020)
New Wave in Fishing Tournaments (Grand Forks Herald 7/2020)
Sanctuary on the Water (Shakopee Valley News 8/2019)
Viral Story about Record Sturgeon (USA TODAY 2/19)
A Record Size Sturgeon is Caught on the St Croix by Darren a Long-Time GL fan!! (Garage Logic Podcast with Joe Sucheray)
SHOP DINE LIVE (June Issue 2020)
Minnesota Bound Episode 784 - appearance starts at 4:35 and highlights King of the Cats (2018)
Icing Cats is Mainstream (In-Fisherman December 2018)
Reeling in Sturgeon on the St. Croix (In-Fisherman November, 2018)
St. Croix Sturgeon Quest: 60 Anglers, 24 Hours, May the Hugest Fish Win (Pioneer Press October 9, 2016)
Five-Foot Fish Wins St. Croix River Sturgeon Contest (ST. CROIX 360 October 13, 2015)
Flatheads! (Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine May/June 2015)
Sports to the Max with Mike Max (WCCO)
Hunt Fish TV episode "Winter Channel Catfish on the Horseshoe Chain"
Bear Facts and Fish Tales Radio Broadcast
Channel Catfish Quest (Fishingmn.com April 2012)

Accomplishments

Current MN Catch and Release Record for Lake Sturgeon 78" (2019)
Former state record holder for Minnesota Sturgeon Catch and Release. Sturgeon was 67 1/2" with a 27" girth and caught on the Rainy River on (2016).
Outdoor News Pro Tip Writer (2017-Current)

MN Department of Natural Resources Volunteer

Catfish Species Work Group (2012-2017) – Served as a committee member, providing insight and recommendations on proposed fishing laws and regulations.
DNR Roundtable Group Member (2012-2017) – Contributed as a conservation community member, offering context and discussion points to support the preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.
DNR Roundtable Presenter (2014) – Delivered a presentation on behalf of the Catfish Species Work Group, sharing expertise on catfish conservation and management.
DNR Fisheries Collaboration (2012) – Assisted the Minnesota DNR Fisheries Division with a catfish tagging study on Mississippi River Pool 2, contributing to research and conservation efforts.
Fishing Minnesota Pro Staff & Social Media Administrator – Managed social media engagement and contributed expert content for Fishing Minnesota.
Fishing Minnesota Online Administrator (2000-2010) – Created content, monitored online forums, tested fishing products, and assisted with outreach events to support the fishing community.