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2005 Fishery Events in the Great Lakes/Big Rivers Region
Illinois
February 26 - Marion, Illinois - Brush Pile Fish Habitat Project (Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge)
The Carterville Fishery Resources Office will be working with volunteers to place brush piles that will provide fish habitat on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on February 26. For more information contact the Carterville Fishery Resources Office in Carterville, IL at 618-997-6869.April 9 - Ullin, Illinois - Hooked on Fishing Day
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southernmost Illinois Head-Start, Illinois Extension, and Wal-mart will host "Hooked on Fishing Day" at Cypress Creek refuge on April 9. The program provides youth and their parents an opportunity to learn about fishing. During the day participants learn how to use and assemble rod and reels, select and use bait and tackle, learn how to tie knots, and identify types of fish. Following instruction, all participants take part in open fishing for the rest of the day. Staff and volunteers assist participants throughout the day with questions, line tangles, proper techniques on holding fish, and safety. The objective of the program is to instill land stewardship ethics, provide recreational opportunities and create positive lasting memories for young people and their families. For more information contact Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ullin, IL at 618-634-2231.June 10-13 - Free Fishing Days in Illinois
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.June 11 - Marion, Illinois - Fishing Derby (Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge)
The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Carterville Fishery Resources Office will be hosting a fishing derby at the Crab Orchard refuge on June 11. For start times and more information contact the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, Illinois at 618-997-3344 or the Carterville Fishery Resources Office in Carterville, IL at 618-997-6869.September 24-25 - Carterville, Illinois - Hunting and Fishing Days (John A. Logan College)
Hunting and Fishing Days will be held at the John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois on September 24-25. Cypress Creek and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuges will be assisting with fishing events for children and parents. There will be a fishing derby with large catfish - poles, bait, and instruction will be provided. For more information contact Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ullin, IL at 618-634-2231.Indiana
June 11-12 - Free Fishing Days in Indiana
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.Iowa
May 10-11 - McGregor, Iowa - Upper Mississippi River Festival
This year's River Festival is going to be held at Pike's Peak State Park. 2005 marks the 200th anniversay of the Pike Expedition to survey and explore the Upper Mississippi Region. We are working on getting Rob Nurre "The Surly Surveyor" at the festival. Rob is well known for his excellent representation of early land surveyors and is a resident of Wisconsin. This year's festival dates are May 10th and 11th. For more information contact Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in McGregor, IA at 563-873-3423 or the Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, WI at 608-689-2606.June 3-5 - Free Fishing Days in Iowa
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.Kentucky
March 5 - Paducah, Kentucky - The Big Rivers Sportsmen's Challenge
The Big Rivers Sportsmen's Challenge will be held at the Execuive Inn in Paducah, Kentucky on March 5. A fishing simulator and fishing publications will be available. Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge will be participating in this event with the Illinois DNR. For more information contact Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ullin, IL at 618-634-2231.Michigan
February 12 - Harrisville, Michigan - Winterfest
This event is a day long winter fun festival (10:30am - 3:00pm) at the Sprinkler Lake Education Center in Harrisville, Michigan. There will be interactive science displays, dog sled rides, sledding, crafts, and a petting zoo. The Alpena FRO will provide a booth at the event with educational material and interactive fish puzzles. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required and there is a $3.00 charge per person with age 3 and under free. For more information contact 989-354-3101 or the Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.February 19-20 - Free Fishing Days in Michigan
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.April 1-3 - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan - Spring Show (Lake Superior State University)
Pendills Creek / Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex will have a booth showcasing the Service fishery program, hatchery operations and lake trout at the Spring Show to be held at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on April 1-3. For more information contact the Pendills Creeek/Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex in Brimley, MI at 906-437-5231.June (Date to be announced) - Seney, Michigan - Children's Fishing Day
Seney National Wildlife Refuge will host their annual Children's Fishing Day in June. A fishing derby will be held with prizes awarded. Participants must register at the Visitor Center before fishing. The Pendills Creek / Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex will be assisting with the event. For more information contact the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in Seney, MI at 906-586-9851 or the Pendills Creeek/Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex in Brimley, MI at 906-437-5231.June 1 - Mancelona, Michigan - Mancelona Bass Festival Kid's Day
The Jordan River National Fish Hatchery will be participating in the Kid's Day events on June 1 and in the parade on June 4 during the Mancelona Bass Festival in Mancelona, Michigan.
For more information contact the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in Elmira, MI at 231-584-2461.June 11-12 - Free Fishing Days in Michigan
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.June 11 - Hubbard Lake, Michigan - Hubbard Lake Sportsmen's Clinic
An annual event sponsored by the Hubbard Lake Sportsmen's Club, which teaches young children the fine art of fishing. The Alpena FRO provides assistance to the children, which include a number of disabled youth, and educational material that informs them of fisheries issues within the USFWS. For more information contact Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.June 17-18 - Alpena, Michigan - Riverfest
This event is an annual family festival held in the city of Alpena along the banks of the Thunder Bay River. The Alpena FRO will be hosting a display booth highlighting the activities of the station. Interactive children's activities and games will be provided to educate local youth on fisheries resources. For more information contact Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.July 3 - Alpena, Michigan - Maritime Festival
Alpena, Michigan will host the third annual Maritime Festival on the fourth of July. This is a family cultural event highlighting the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The Alpena FRO will be participating in this event by showcasing the USFWS and fisheries issues in the Great Lakes. For more information contact Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.July 4 - Brimley, Michigan - Brimley 4th of July Parade
Pendills Creek / Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex will take part in the annual 4th of July Parade in Brimley. For more information contact the Pendills Creeek/Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex in Brimley, MI at 906-437-5231.July 21 - Alpena, Michigan - Brown Trout Festival Kids Fishing Derby
The Alpena Optomist Club hosts this annual event during the Brown Trout Festival that allows children to angle for trout. Alpena FRO participates by providing activities and literature to the public. Educational fishery games are used for this event and focus on youth ages 12 and under. Games include a salmon migration game that describes the plight of the fish to grow and spawn, and fish puzzles which teach children the anatomy of a fish. For more information contact Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.July 30 - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan - Soo Area Sportsmen's Club Kids Fishing Day
The Soo Area Sportsman's Club is hosting a Kids Fishing Day in July in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Pendills Creek / Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex will be assisting with the event. For more information contact the Pendills Creeek/Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex in Brimley, MI at 906-437-5231.August 20 - Elmira, Michigan - 2nd Annual "Hatchery Fest" at Jordan River NFH
The Jordan River National Fish Hatchery will be hosting their 2nd annual Hatchery Fest on August 20th at the hatchery grounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information link to Hatchery Fest info or contact the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in Elmira, MI at 231-584-2461.September 10 - Gaylord, Michigan - Northland Sportsman's Club Family Hunting and Fishing Expo
The Jordan River National Fish Hatchery will be participating in the Northland Sportsman's Club Family Hunting and Fishing Expo on September 10. For more information contact the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in Elmira, MI at 231-584-2461.October 6-9 - Alpena, Michigan - Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival
The Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival is an annual event held in Alpena, Michigan that showcases Great Lakes Lighthouses and resources. The festival will be held from October 6 to 9. The Alpena FRO participates in this event annually and provides activities and literature to the public. Educational fishery games are used for this event and focus on youth ages 12 and under. For more information contact Alpena Fishery Resources Office, Alpena, MI at 989-356-5102.Minnesota
May 7-8 - Free Fishing Days in Minnesota
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.June 10-12 - Free Fishing Days in Minnesota
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.Missouri
February 2-3 - T, Missouri - Missouri Natural Resources Conference
The Columbia Fishery Resources Office will be available at the Student Job Fair at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference held at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri on February 2 and 3. The office will be soliciting employees for summer and term employment. For more information contact Columbia Fishery Resources Office in Columbia, Missouri at 573-234-2132.March (Date to be announced) - Columbia, Missouri - Grand Opening Bass Pro Shop
The Columbia Fishery Resources Office will be participating in the grand opening of the Bass Pro shop in Columbia, Missouri in March. The office will be providing fish for Bass Pro's permanent display of Mississippi River fishes. For dates and more information contact Columbia Fishery Resources Office in Columbia, Missouri at 573-234-2132.March (Date to be announced) - Neosho, Missouri - Pallid Sturgeon Tagging Event
In March the Neosho National Fish Hatchery will be tagging pallid sturgeon in cooperation with the Columbia Fishery Resources Office. The sturgeon will be released into the Missouri River at a later date. The hatchery will be holding a media event and invite the public to view the tagging operation. For dates and more information contact Neosho National Fish Hatchery, Neosho, MO at 417-451-0554.April (Date to be announced) - Neosho, Missouri - Neosho National Fish Hatchery Open House
An open house will be held at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, Missouri in April. For dates and more information contact Neosho National Fish Hatchery, Neosho, MO at 417-451-0554.June 10 - Neosho, Missouri - Children's Fishing Clinic and Derby
The Neosho National Fish Hatchery, in cooperation with the Friends of the hatchery, will be holding their annual Children's Fishing Clinic and Derby on June 10 at the hatchery in Neosho, Missouri. Fish identification, boat safety, casting, and other skills will be taught in the morning and fishing will take place in the afternoon. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided. Lunch will be provided as well. For more information contact Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, MO at 417-451-0554.June 11-12 - Free Fishing Days in Missouri
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.June 17 - Neosho, Missouri - Fishing Event for the Disabled and Elderly
The Neosho National Fish Hatchery, in cooperation with the Friends of the hatchery, will be holding their annual Fishing Event for the Disabled and Elderly on June 17 at the hatchery in Neosho, Missouri. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided. For more information contact Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, MO at 417-451-0554.July 6-9 - Neosho, Missouri - Newton County Fair
The Neosho National Fish Hatchery and the Friends of the hatchery will be staffing a booth at the Newton County Fair in Neosho, Missouri on July 6-9. Information abuot the hatchery and the US Fish and Wildlife Service fishery program will be available. For more information contact Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, MO at 417-451-0554.Ohio
May 7-8 - Free Fishing Days in Ohio
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.Wisconsin
April 9 - Ashland, Wisconsin - Trout Unlimited Spring Expo
The Ashland Fishery Resources Office and Iron River National Fish Hatchery will be staffing a booth at the Trout Unlimited Spring Expo to be held at the Bay Area Civic Center in Ashland, Wisconsin on April 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information contact Ashland Fishery Resources Office in Ashland, WI at 715-682-6185 or Iron River National Fish Hatchery in Iron River, WI at 715-372-8510.April 19 - Genoa, Wisconsin - Mussel Media Open House at Genoa National Fish Hatchery
The Geona National Fish Hatchery will be holding an Open House and media event for the endangered Higgins' Eye Pearlymussel on April 19 at the hatchery in Genoa, Wisconsin. Fish will be infested with Higgins' eye pearlymussel glochidia, a natural part of the life cycle of the mussel. They invide the public to attend the event. Please call ahead if you are interested in attending. For more information please contact Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, WI at 608-689-2606.June 4-5 - Free Fishing Days in Wisconsin
For more information link to Water Works Wonders.June 4 - Necedah, Wisconsin - Fishing is Fun
Join us for our Fishing is Fun event on June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at our neighbor's, Eagles Nest Flowage. There will be games, fishing, boat rides, derbies with prizes, and more. Refreshments and lunch will be available. For more information contact Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Necedah, WI at 608-565-2551.August 9 - Genoa, Wisconsin - Genoa National Fish Hatchery Open House and Building Dedication
The Genoa National Fish Hatchery will be holding an Open House and dedicating their new Lake Sturgeon Cultivation building on August 9 in Genoa, Wisconsin. Please call ahead if you are interested in attending. For more information please contact Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, WI at 608-689-2606.August 13 - Iron River, Wisconsin - Iron River National Fish Hatchery Open House and Building Dedication
The Iron River National Fish Hatchery will be holding an Open House and dedicating a new building on August 13 in Iron River, Wisconsin. For more information link to Dedication Info or contact Iron River National Fish Hatchery in Iron River, WI at 715-372-8510.August 13 - Ashland, Wisconsin - Superior Celebration
The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Iron River National Fish Hatchery, and Ashland Fishery Resources will be participating in a "Superior Celebration" on August 13 at the Whittlesey Creeek National Wildlife Refuge in Ashland, Wisconsin. Join us to officially open the new "Coaster Classroom" a three season environmental education shelter on the Refuge. A Coaster Calling Contest will be held and other fun activities and programs will be available. For more information please contact Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ashland, WI at 715-685-2678, Iron River National Fish Hatchery in Iron River, WI at 715-372-8510, or Ashland Fishery Resources Office in Ashland, WI at 715-682-6185.