A cold overcast day didn’t dampen the spirits of the excited anglers who were out to catch a trophy brook trout

April 26^th was the opening day of the Michigan trout fishing season, and there were lots of kids catching lots of trout in Mancelona, Mich. Project Leader Roger Gordon Lead Fish Biologist Tim Smigielski  from Jordan River National Fish Hatchery cleaned nearly 200 trout in three hours. The brook trout were turned on and so were the kids! 

Through a partnership with Mancelona Schools and the Village of Mancelona more than 400 catchable-size brook trout were stocked by Jordan River NFH at Johnson's Pond.  The pond is the property of the Village of Mancelona.  Johnson's Pond and the surrounding land was donated to the village many years ago by Arvid Johnson. By local ordinance, only children less than fourteen years old are allowed to fish at the pond.

Two years ago Jordan River NFH, Mancelona Bass Festival committee and local citizens received a challenge cost share grant through the Service to rehabilitate the pond for kid's fishing.  The pond is now a very attractive place for kids and families to have outdoor experiences.  

Recently Jordan River NFH developed a program to supply brook trout for local kid's fishing events.  The program, called Baby Brookies, has participation from Mancelona Public Schools after school programs and the East Jordan Michigan Cub Scouts.  Each year, the hatchery will hatch eggs and rear brook trout with the assistance of the kid's. Elementary Principal Trent Naumcheff is a strong supporter of Baby Brookies. "I am very impressed with the commitment from the hatchery to the community," Naumcheff said.  The plans for 2008-2009 Baby Brookies participation and the opening day fishing event are underway. Stay tuned.