Get ready to dive into the great outdoors without dipping into your wallet. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again teaming up with local conservation groups for a day of aquatic education and family fun — and it's all for the grand price of zero dollars.
Family Fun Day, the annual event that helps city slickers and wannabe anglers alike get a taste of nature, will be hosted at the Brule State Fish Hatchery on August 16, according to the Wisconsin DNR website. Starting at 10 a.m., families can engage in an array of activities like fish filleting demonstrations, youth archery lessons, and the oddly mesmerizing stream shocking — where, with science on their side, fish are temporarily stunned for study and admiration before being safely returned to their watery homes.
It's not just about watching and learning, though; kids can get hands-on with fly tying, t-shirt painting or take a shot at catch-and-release fishing. The event, supported by the Douglas County Fish and Game League, Brule River Sportsmen’s Club, the Wild Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Western Lake Superior Trollers Association, is about connecting the community with local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Known for its Seeforellen brown trout, the Brule Fish Hatchery plays a crucial role in stocking the bountiful waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Visitors will also get the chance to take guided tours of the hatchery, nestled within the Brule River State Forest and understand, first-hand the importance of hatcheries in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The DNR takes pride in these educational endeavors, fostering an appreciation of our fishy friends and the environments they inhabit. Just remember, while the event is free, you might still need a vehicle admission sticker for the hatchery.
