Local area youth ages 6-12 and their parents enjoyed a great day of ice fishing at the Genoa (WI) National Fish Hatchery in February.  After a cold January, 183 people assembled at the hatchery to hit the ice, try to catch some fish and break out of the winter doldrums.  The event was sponsored by the Friends Group of the 3 LaCrosse area Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries offices, the LaCrosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO), the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, and the LaCrosse Fish Health Center.  The Friends of the Upper Mississippi River Fisheries Services (FUMFS) supplied ice fishing expertise, volunteer help and a light lunch out on the ice for the participants.  This was the first time the event was held at the hatchery, and in mid-January, 1,000 9 inch rainbow trout were stocked in Pond 9, which had been filled and allowed to freeze.  This set the stage for a wild time of fishing for the kids, as over 300 fish were caught in the 4 hour event.  Experts in fishing finding equipment and underwater cameras were also on hand to show the latest advances in ice fishing technology.   It was a beautiful winter day, sunny and with high temperatures over 40 degrees, a great day to be out of the living room and recreating in the great outdoors.  A short primer on ice safety was given in the packed warming tent, and kids were let loose to enjoy fishing on the “hard water”.  Fun was also had on the ponds slopes, with a tobogganing trail resembling a gigantic otter slide being formed before the day was through.  Many thanks go to the LaCrosse NFWCO, the LaCrosse Fish Health Center, and our Friends Group for making this day possible.  Thanks also go to the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge's Winona District for letting us borrow ice fishing rigs from their ice fishing event.