Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery offers fishing, birding and archery programs this summer

Contact: Shana Ramsey, 269-668-2876 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

Agency: Natural Resources

April 24 , 2013

The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is gearing up to offer a variety of programs this spring and summer, from fishing to birding to archery and more. The hatchery also offers guided tours, where visitors can get an up-close look at the fish and learn how biologists raise millions of fish every year to stock in Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams.

Beaks and Binoculars: Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with this interactive bird discovery adventure. Birds are a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors. This family-friendly program includes a relaxing stroll on our nature trails and is perfect for all ages. The hatchery grounds are one of the best locations in the area to see ducks and other birds. Binoculars will be provided.

Family Fishing Fair: Saturday, May 18. Join us at Ramona Park in the city of Portage to celebrate the start of summer. Learn to tie knots, rig a fishing rod and make lures at the Family Fishing Fair at 8600 S. Sprinkle Road in Portage.

Hatchery tours (now through Memorial Day weekend): Tours of the hatchery include explanation of the egg take and fertilization process and the life cycle, and an up-close look at fish in various stages of life. On the weekdays, tours are by special reservation only; Saturdays, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sundays, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.

Hatchery Tours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day): Weekdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sundays, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. only.

Hook, Line and Sinker kids fishing program (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Youth ages 3 to 16 can practice catch-and-release fishing. Because our ponds are stocked, kids have a good chance of catching fish! No fishing license is required for youth under the age of 17. No pre-registration is required, and all equipment and bait is provided. Fridays, 5 p.m. ? 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. ? 10:30 a.m.

Arrows Away archery program (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Participants will learn to shoot a bow in a safe and fun environment. Program is for those 5 years of age and older. No pre-registration is required, and all equipment is provided. Thursdays, 5 p.m. ? 6 p.m.

Feeding Frenzy (Memorial Day through Labor Day): See our critters eat their daily meal and learn how they catch their prey in the wild! This program is approximately 15 minutes in length and is for all ages. Weekdays at 12:30 p.m.

The visitor center is located at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan. For detailed information on what there is to see and do at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, visit www.michigan.gov/wolflakevc.

For more information or to register for the ice fishing program, contact the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center by phone at 269-668-2876 or email at ramseys2@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.