Friday, June 24, 2016

Plenty of fun and learning this summer at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery

Plenty of fun and learning this summer at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in southwest Michigan

One of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' state fish hatcheries – Wolf Lake, at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan – is in the midst of its summer programming efforts, which means visiting families are in store for a variety of fun and educational opportunities. Family fishing from dock at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
All programs offered at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery and visitor center are free and open to the public. Opportunities include:

Hook, Line & Sinker kids fishing
The program is offered at Wolf Lake every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Kids ages 3 to 16 are welcome to attend. Fishing is catch-and-release and all equipment is provided.

Show Pond fishing showdown
Children who participate in three Hook, Line & Sinker dates this summer will qualify for special fishing opportunities at Wolf Lake. See visitor center staff for more details.

Hatchery tours
Learn all about the hatchery and how the DNR rears fish to be stocked in bodies of water across the state. Guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon and 2 p.m.

Arrows Away archery
Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow at this program offered every Thursday at 5, 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Participants must arrive on time and the program is open only to those age 8 or older. All equipment is provided.

Muskie Madness tours
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery is unique as it's the only state facility that rears muskellunge. Come learn about these efforts every Saturday at noon – mid-June through early August only.

Feeding Frenzy
Watch the hatchery fish get their lunchtime meal every weekday at 12:30 p.m.

Family scavenger hunts
Enjoy a self-guided, family-friendly activity that takes you all over the hatchery grounds. This opportunity is available daily, until one hour before closing.

Michigan Mammals
There's more than just fish at the hatchery! Join a mammal hike Friday, July 15, at 11 a.m. and then "Mammal Olympics" that same day at 1 p.m.

Vampires of the Great Lakes
See sea lampreys up close and learn about how they forever changed the Great Lakes. Friday, July 1, or Friday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Turkey Time
This program is sponsored by the National Turkey Federation and Southwestern Michigan Longbeards and is available Thursday, July 21. The inflatable BB gun range will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. and the Learn to Hunt Wild Turkey Program will be held at 6 p.m.

Pheasants Friday
This program is sponsored by Pheasants Forever and is available Friday, July 22. The inflatable BB gun range will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. and family activities will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 269-668-2876 or visit Michigan.gov/wolflakevc.

Learn more about all of Michigan's fish production hatcheries on the DNR website www.michigan.gov/hatcheries.

/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Suggested caption follows.

Families can fish at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery during one of several programs offered this summer at the Mattawan site./


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.