321 kids, accompanied by 205 adults, assisted by 46 workers and volunteers, and sponsored by 19 agencies and business, all participated in the 8th annual Kids Fishing Day at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center on June 1, 2007.  The event's main sponsors are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Twelve separate learning stations were available in the Visitor Center building and on the grounds to give kids a chance to learn about bait, fish identification, knot tying, casting, what fish eat, catch and release, and water safety.  Sponsors supplied lures and other fishing equipment so each child left with a "beginner's tackle kit" and a prize. 

This year's equipment was also supplemented by new kiddie fishing rods, line, and repaired rods and reels from a Service cost share grant aided by the help of Trout Unlimited.  Each participant had a chance to try to catch a brook trout in the cold water pond on the Center's grounds.  Volunteers also helped families tie flies, learn about loons, safe tackle, and how to remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers.

This event has grown substantially over the last eight years as it continues to gain in support and recognition.  Katie Goodwin, Visitor Services Manager, for the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Susan Nelson, Interpretive Specialist, of the U.S. Forest Service are the main organizers.  Staff from the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Ashland Fishery Resources Office also helped with this special event.