GRANITE FALLS, Minnesota, Feb. 19, 2026 — In the Season 17 premiere of Prairie Sportsman, host Bret Amundson joins Kevin Hinrichs of the Royal Dutchman Resort to battle giant sturgeon on the Rainy River, while researchers study the range and population of this remarkable prehistoric fish. “Rainy River Sturgeon” airs Sunday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. on Pioneer PBS.
In the first segment, “The Royal Dutchman,” host Bret Amundson climbs aboard the Dutchman’s Warship, a fishing charter on the Rainy River, where he learns about the history of the Royal Dutchman Resort. Resort owner Kevin Hinrichs also shares his passion for sturgeon — a prehistoric species that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs.
In the second segment, “A Little Sturgeon Study,” Amundson joins Minnesota DNR Fisheries Specialist Tanner Carlson and Fisheries Technician Grant Becker as they tag and survey juvenile sturgeon. As part of the process, the team also assesses overall fish populations in the Rainy River, examining the numbers, ages and sizes of walleye, sauger and other species caught during the study.
“Rainy River Sturgeon,” along with subsequent episodes of Prairie Sportsman, rebroadcast Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. following the initial air date on Pioneer PBS.
How to Watch
Viewers within the viewing area can watch the live program on 10-1, 20-1, 8-1, Dish, DirecTV and Mediacom.
In addition to station broadcasts, viewers in Pioneer PBS’s viewing area can also stream the premiere live at pioneer.org/live, on YouTube TV, Prime Video, Hulu Live or via the “Live TV” button on the PBS app and pbs.org.
Full episodes can also be streamed at pioneer.org/prairiesportsman, the PBS app, the Prairie Sportsman YouTube channel and pbs.org/show/prairie-sportsman/.
Support
Due to recent funding cuts to Pioneer PBS and other PBS stations across the nation, shows, particularly local programming like Prairie Sportsman, that you love are in jeopardy. Consider becoming a member of Pioneer PBS or Friend of Prairie Sportsman to support the shows you love. For more information, including how to support Pioneer PBS, visit pioneer.org.
About Prairie Sportsman
Prairie Sportsman is an award-winning series produced by Pioneer PBS that celebrates the love of the outdoors by featuring topics on hunting, fishing, and recreation while promoting environmental stewardship. The team of Prairie Sportsman consists of series producer Tom Desch, with producer, videographer and editor Bret Amundson returning as host. Additional videography and editing is provided by Dan Amundson, Jaryd Smith and Jacob Nubern. The 2026 season is made possible by funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Shalom Hill Farm, Big Stone County, Yellow Medicine County, Lac Qui Parle County, Swift County, Meeker County, and members of Pioneer PBS. If you enjoy Prairie Sportsman, become a friend of Prairie Sportsman by filling out a Google Form.
About Pioneer PBS
Established in 1966, Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station dedicated to sharing stories from rural Minnesota with the world. For nearly 60 years, Pioneer PBS has amplified local voices and reflected the people, places, and issues that matter most to our region.
Headquartered in Granite Falls, Minnesota, with towers in Appleton, Worthington, and Fergus Falls, Pioneer PBS reaches more than one million viewers across western Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, and northern Iowa. We are honored to be your television station—the only station in western Minnesota telling your stories. As we celebrate 60 years of storytelling, we invite you to help ensure these stories continue for the next 60 years and beyond.
Learn more at pioneer.org or call 800-726-3178.
