A Minnesota man fishing from a kayak on Fish Lake near Fredenberg says an arrow struck his foot and continued through the bottom of his kayak, leaving him unable to move his leg. Authorities responded to the August 10, 2026, incident, but investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or announced an arrest.
According to reporting from local news outlet Fox 21, Cory Hendrickson was fishing on Fish Lake in St. Louis County, near Fredenberg, on the evening of August 10 when he noticed people on shore. Hendrickson told the station that fireworks had been launched toward the lake. Moments later, he heard something traveling through the air before an arrow struck his foot.
Hendrickson described the incident to Fox 21 as a dangerous development during what had been a routine fishing trip. “Who would have thought? You know, you go out fishing, and you end up taking an arrow to the foot,” Hendrickson told the station.
He remained on the boat until help arrived.
Hendrickson called for help after the arrow struck him. First responders told him to remain on the boat until they reached him. Once they arrived, rescuers cut the arrow in two places so they could free his foot from the kayak. “They had to cut the top off of the arrow, and then underneath my foot, they also had to cut in order for me to move my foot,” Hendrickson told local media.
Hendrickson was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released early the following morning on crutches. As of August 11, Hendrickson awaited a follow-up appointment to determine the full extent of his injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the arrow remain under investigation.
According to reporting from Fox 21, the people Hendrickson saw on shore left the area after the incident. Hendrickson said he believed the arrow shot was intentional.
Hendrickson said the experience has changed how he views nighttime fishing. He told Fox 21 that he was wearing a red headlamp when the incident occurred and advised other anglers to “keep your head on a swivel.” He also said he probably would not fish there at night again.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office remains the agency handling the investigation. Anyone with information regarding activity on the shore of Fish Lake near Fredenberg on the evening of August 10 is urged to contact the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office at (218) 726-2340.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted statewide through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppersmn.org.
