Kids enjoy their day at Wizard Falls

Grant Carleton displays his catch, assisted by Sherrie McCord. photo by Conrad Weiler About 600 children enjoyed a dream day of fishing last Saturday, June 12, at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery in Camp Sherman.

Each child, 10 years old and under, gets to catch one "big one" from the large holding pond at the hatchery.

"This event has been going on for about 15 years," said Mike Sims, fish specialist at the hatchery, as he helped children weigh their catch and prepared them to take it home in an iced bag.

Mike and about 40 other volunteers help make the day special for those attending.

Besides their catch of the day, children enjoyed the colorful salmon tent where Cindy Glick of the U.S. Forest Service read stories and related legends for her young audience. The children dressed up as mushrooms, salmon and other creatures as part of the experience.

Assisting children in this area were Michael Dean, Boy Scout Troop 188 from Sisters, and his son, Justin Dean, a senior patrol leader with the troop.

Kris Martinson of the U.S. Forest Service helped children at the Gyotaku table with their creative fish art works. Nearby, other volunteers assisted youngsters with wooden fish puzzles, tattoos and art projects.

A live aquatic insect exhibit featured Phil Hager of Central Oregon Flyfishers explaining the different life forms from the nearby Metolius River. Next to him were Scott Cotter and Mike Riehle of the Forest Service, presenting various life forms found in the Metolius River.

Jerry Newell of the Santiam Fly Casters (Salem) taught children the art of spin-casting.

"The kids love it," he said. "The most important part is the parents and grandparents hanging in there and teaching their fishing skills to the next generation."

Steve Hamberger, Hatchery Manager, was in charge of the pond fishing area. Doug Curtis, fisheries specialist, was especially helpful with the youngsters at the pond.

Early in the afternoon, after the events, the volunteers gathered for a barbecue and prizes for their day's efforts.

Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., five miles north of downtown Camp Sherman off Road 14.