Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center steelhead fishing classes
The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan, Michigan (Van Buren County), will offer several opportunities to learn about outdoor recreation and Michigan’s natural resources this spring. Upcoming programs include:
DNR Outdoor Skills Academy: Birding Basics
Saturday, April 8, 8 a.m. to noon
This program will guide participants through the basics of how to identify birds in the field using field marks, size, shape, song, behavior, habitat and more. Audubon Society of Kalamazoo member Kent Martin also will provide a basic overview of optics and field guides. A classroom segment will be followed by time in the field, walking the trails around the ponds at the fish hatchery. Refreshments and a complimentary field guide will be provided. Cost of the class is $20. This class is sponsored by the Friends of Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Register for the Birding Basics class at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0849a9ab22a4fc1-birding.
DNR Outdoor Skills Academy: Steelhead Fishing Clinic
Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon
This in-depth steelhead fishing clinic will offer participants the opportunity to learn about equipment, various techniques and where in Michigan to fish for this coveted angler favorite. Several seasoned instructors will share their skills and knowledge in the classroom and on the water. This class is a must for those with no experience, those with some experience and those just looking to learn more about targeting steelhead trout in Michigan’s waters. Cost for the class is $45. Lunch and some program materials will be provided. Day 1 is at the visitor center; day 2 is on the Muskegon River, below Croton Dam. The minimum age for participants is 13 years old. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This class is sponsored by the Friends of Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Register for the steelhead clinic at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0849A9AB22A4FC1-steelhead.
Kids’ Fishing Pier Celebration
Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.
Join DNR staff and partners for the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new kids’ fishing pier. There will be special hatchery tours every 30 minutes after the ceremony, kids’ fishing from noon to 2 p.m. and light refreshments.
Butterfly Gardens
Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.
Local butterfly and native plant expert Ilse Gebhard will use colorful photos to illustrate the process of establishing a native plant garden to attract butterflies. Both nectar-providing and caterpillar food plants will be covered, as well as the life stages of some of the butterflies.
Hatchery Tours
Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Discover how the Department of Natural Resources raises millions of fish every year to stock Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams. Tours are approximately 30 minutes long. All ages are welcome. Call the visitor center for spring weekday availability.
For more information about any of the programs, contact the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center at 269-668-2876 or ramseys2@michigan.gov.
Dedicated to providing quality programming that tells the remarkable tale of Michigan’s Great Lakes fisheries and the vital role played by hatcheries in this story, the visitor center is located on the grounds of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan. Learn more about the Wolf Lake hatchery and visitor center at www.michigan.gov/wolflakevc.
