Alva and Ann Rankin show off the big fish they were able to handle during spawning. - FWS photo

The Haworth family pause from their volunteer work at the hatchery. - FWS photo

On April 28^th, Iron River National Fish Hatchery attended the Fishermen’s Expo in Poplar, Wisconsin.  The hatchery provided two door prizes as incentive to come out to the hatchery, spawn brood stock and enjoy lunch. 

Both winners of the prizes were excited to finally come out and redeem their certificates!  Ann and Alva Rankin came out early in the lake trout spawning season and were able to handle the really big fish.  Ryan Haworth and his sons Michael and Brady took advantage of the day off from school to come out and handle the coaster brook trout brood fish. 

The volunteers enjoyed getting messy with the fish and the staff at Iron River NFH greatly appreciated the extra hands.  The hatchery is hoping to attend the Fishermen’s Expo next April to do a little more “recruiting” for the 2007 spawning season!