Clayton Folden
Inducted 2017
For nearly four decades, the name Clayton Folden has been synonymous with the Van Hook Arm of North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea, owing both to his reputation as one of the area’s most experienced and respected fishing guides, as well as his role as a founder and leader of developments to this now popular summer resort and lake access area.
In the early 1980’s, Clayton led efforts to build a concrete boat ramp and an accompanying breakwater at Van Hook. This included providing leadership in the formation of the Van Hook Breakwater Association. The efforts of this group have led to continual access improvements leading to the area being one of the most utilized ramp areas on Lake Sakakawea.
The hours and effort Clayton dedicated to improving access to the Van Hook Arm is likely only matched by his love for the sport of fishing. This passion began at an early age when he spent countless hours fishing at Deepwater Bay with his parents, brothers and sisters, and his grandfather, Peder Folden. Through his fishing guide service, Clayton has provided opportunities for men, women and children to enjoy the fishing on Lake Sakakawea. Although he continues to guide today, many of his fishing trips are made as donations to various sportsmen's clubs and charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Throughout his fishing career, Clayton also successfully competed in a wide variety of fishing tournaments in North Dakota as well as surrounding states and Canada to include winning the ND Governor’s Cup in 2004. In addition to being a competitor, Clayton has also been instrumental in organizing and directing tournaments in the Van Hook Arm.
Clayton’s knowledge of the lake and his desire to maintain this reservoir for generations to come led him to involvement with the Friends of Lake Sakakawea, of which he was an original board member. He continues to be involved with efforts to preserve the Lake Sakakawea and promote its use by residents and visitors alike.
Clayton’s willingness to share, teach and confront issues that could ultimately affect fishing on Lake Sakakawea is far-reaching. Clayton is devoted to improving the fishing opportunities on Lake Sakakawea while also promoting the Van Hook area and unselfishly helping other anglers be successful. His talents, hard work, and dedication to sport fishing have truly improved the opportunities for others to have an enjoyable and successful fishing experience.
Inducted 2017
For nearly four decades, the name Clayton Folden has been synonymous with the Van Hook Arm of North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea, owing both to his reputation as one of the area’s most experienced and respected fishing guides, as well as his role as a founder and leader of developments to this now popular summer resort and lake access area.
In the early 1980’s, Clayton led efforts to build a concrete boat ramp and an accompanying breakwater at Van Hook. This included providing leadership in the formation of the Van Hook Breakwater Association. The efforts of this group have led to continual access improvements leading to the area being one of the most utilized ramp areas on Lake Sakakawea.
The hours and effort Clayton dedicated to improving access to the Van Hook Arm is likely only matched by his love for the sport of fishing. This passion began at an early age when he spent countless hours fishing at Deepwater Bay with his parents, brothers and sisters, and his grandfather, Peder Folden. Through his fishing guide service, Clayton has provided opportunities for men, women and children to enjoy the fishing on Lake Sakakawea. Although he continues to guide today, many of his fishing trips are made as donations to various sportsmen's clubs and charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Throughout his fishing career, Clayton also successfully competed in a wide variety of fishing tournaments in North Dakota as well as surrounding states and Canada to include winning the ND Governor’s Cup in 2004. In addition to being a competitor, Clayton has also been instrumental in organizing and directing tournaments in the Van Hook Arm.
Clayton’s knowledge of the lake and his desire to maintain this reservoir for generations to come led him to involvement with the Friends of Lake Sakakawea, of which he was an original board member. He continues to be involved with efforts to preserve the Lake Sakakawea and promote its use by residents and visitors alike.
Clayton’s willingness to share, teach and confront issues that could ultimately affect fishing on Lake Sakakawea is far-reaching. Clayton is devoted to improving the fishing opportunities on Lake Sakakawea while also promoting the Van Hook area and unselfishly helping other anglers be successful. His talents, hard work, and dedication to sport fishing have truly improved the opportunities for others to have an enjoyable and successful fishing experience.