Local Fishing Icon Drowns In Accident

For The Bemidji Pioneer December 15^th, 2014

By: Alexander Larson

Matthew David Larson, a 26 year old professional fisherman died in a fatal drowning accident on Lake Winnibigoshish.  DNR officer Kenny Bowen was first on the scene and explained that there was never any chance to save him.  “The truck dropped in and Matthew was unable to get out of the vehicle,” said Bowen.  “We pronounced him dead on the scene.”

Larson, a long-time fishing guide on Lake Winnibigoshish, is remembered as a fun-loving, hard-working, and energetic kind of guy.  “He loved what he did, and always managed to do it going at 100 percent,” said Andrew Gunderson, a long-time friend and co-worker.  “The hardest part about all this is that he was doing what he loved when he died.”

Born March 21, 1988, in Farmington, Minn., Larson began life battling cancer.  Diagnosed with neuroblastoma only six weeks after birth, Larson’s fight lasted three years.  Larson graduated in 2006 from Hutchinson High School.  Soon thereafter, Matthew attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd, where he received an associate degree in business management.  Larson attended Bemidji State University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing communication. 

Larson enjoyed coaching football at Central Lakes College as a running-backs assistant.  He also assisted in youth football programs in the Brainerd Lakes area.  Relay for Life has also been a huge part of Larson’s life;   “He made a huge difference in the lives of many children who are cancer patients.” said Dr. Jack Priest of St. Paul Children’s Hospital, in downtown St. Paul.  “His interaction with the children helped them get the focus away from their chemotherapy treatments.”

Over the course of Larson’s life, he wrote and submitted many articles to Midwest Outdoor Magazine and The Outdoor News.  Larson’s unique writing style drew the attention of many outdoor enthusiasts.  The development of his fishing theories goes unmarked in the fishing industry.  Also, Larson has made an impact on the fishing industry’s tackle market.  Creating three new lures specialized for walleye fishing “His adaption of the normal jig head has brought back jigging with live bait over popular plastics!”  said Northland Tackle Co. owner Jim Peterson.

Larson is survived by his wife Camille (Grant), and two children, Clay, and Liana.  His father David and his mother Amy (Sonnebend), also siblings Meredith Noman, Margaret Glasson, Meryl Irvin and Michaela Thomas.  Larson is also survived by the countless friends whom he has met over the years.  Services for Larson took place December 14th, 2014 at Rejoice Lutheran Church located in Brainerd, Minn.  A private ceremony will be held during the summer of 2014 to spread Larson’s ashes at Split-rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior north of Duluth.