Kids Fishing Day at The Ontonagon Marina

ONTONAGON, Mich.– In conjunction with Michigan’s 2017 Free Fishing Weekend, the 27th Annual Kids Fishing Derby for youngsters age 16 and under is scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at the Ontonagon Marina. New and traditional events and partners promise to make the day an exciting and educational one for all. Plan on attending this fun-filled day of fishing and educational activities.

The event begins at the Ontonagon Marina, registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends with the awarding of prizes at 1:00 p.m. (EDT). Every child that registers will receive a bag of fishing related freebies.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to register. All fishing should be done from the vicinity of the Ontonagon Marina where accessible piers are also available for all ability levels. There will be rods and reels and some tackle available to use if you don’t have your own. Kids ages 16 and under are not required to have a fishing license in the State of Michigan, and on June 10 and 11 fishing is free for all ages.
Activities will include:

• Crazy Casting Contest from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Pick a free SPEEDY MINNOW for Minnow Races from 10:00 to 12:00
• Fyke netting demonstration at 12:00 p.m. Come and see what’s in the river
• Prizes for a variety of fish caught and registered, including largest fish in 7 categories
• Fish Identification Contest with prizes for kids and parents correctly identifying fish
• Fish tanks to display “the catches of the day.”
• A variety of educational and interpretive materials for everyone.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel on site to answer questions.
• Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet will be there
• with their portable boat washing station.

  The Kids Fishing Derby is one way the Ontonagon Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest strives to provide a memorable day of fishing activities for kids and their families. For additional information about the Kid’s Fishing Derby, please contact Jessup Weichelt at 906-884-2085, ext. 24. Come and join the fun!