Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery hosted its annual free Youth Fishing Day on Saturday, June 2, 2007, attracting over 150 children and their parents from the local area.  The hatchery has reserved one of its production ponds for such events, and keeps it stocked with large catfish.  Attendees caught catfish up to 9.6 pounds in weight, providing for a quality recreational experience for the children.  Several larger fish were temporarily hooked but could not be landed.  Rods, reels, tackle, and bait were provided for participants, as well as lunch and beverages.  After the event, prizes (rod and reel combinations) were given to the children that caught and released the 10 largest fish.

In addition to the fishing activity, the Service erected a display about Atlantic sturgeon, including a small pool containing live Atlantic sturgeon for the guests to look at and touch.  The Virginia Waterfowlers Association provided outreach materials for the children, as well as assisted with the event.

Service offices involved in this outreach event were Harrison Lake NFH and the Richmond Law Enforcement Office.  Partnering organizations were the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (Law Enforcement Division), Burrowsville Volunteer Fire Department did the cooking), and the Virginia Waterfowlers association.  Food, beverages, prizes, and bait were provided by the following sponsors: WalMart (Mechanicsville, VA), Adams Sport Mart (Providence Forge, VA), and the Virginia Waterfowlers Association.