Kids' Day delights hatchery crowd

Art projects were featured at Kids' Day at Wizard Falls.

A cool, crisp morning greeted the families attending Kids' Day at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 8.

The Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sponsor the event locally and an enthusiastic crowd of over 1,000 children, parents, grandparents, great grandparents and friends showed up. After the hatchery parking area overflowed, parking backed up onto Road 14.

Fishing the large holding pond in waves of 100 most of the youngsters came away with their "catch of the day" and a huge smile.

"I got a rainbow," said young Logan Stevens as his Dad, Scott Stevens, described the various fish pictured on the kiosk signboard.

Volunteers helped the young folks set up their poles, net catches, bag and weigh them in preparation for the trip home and a great trout dinner. Mike Sims and Liz Burke were kept busy all morning at the fish weighing scales.

Kenny Grossen displays his catch.

"This little fellow just weighed in a 10-pound plus trout," said Burke as she worked.

A section for fly-fishing at the pond drew several children who successfully landed their "big one" there.

While all the fishing action was going on, Forest Service personnel were running several demonstrations and game activities for the children.

Fish biologist Mike Riehle was at the Aquatic Zoo highlighting the different fish life stages to interested onlookers. Cindy Glick staged various predator/prey games with enthusiastic participants.

Other children were engrossed with Gyotoku (fish painting), fish puzzles and spin-casting tryouts.

"It's a really special day for all of us," said parent Debbie Miller.

The program helps spark a life-long interest in fishing and the outdoors.

"This has really hooked the kids on fishing," said great-grandparent Harry Sprang. "This is the third year our two great-grand kids have come from Fort Collins, Colorado, to take part."

"This is a very positive day for all of us," said hatchery manager Steve Hamburger.