Michigan’s Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Offers Fishing, Archery Programs this Fall
The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, located near Kalamazoo, is offering fun, family-friendly events this fall, including programs on hunter safety and archery, along with fishing events for kids—all for FREE!
Hunter Safety: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16
Participants are required to attend both sessions to receive their Hunter’s Certification. The class will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 16. There is a $10 charge per person. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited so sign up early!
National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration: Saturday, Sept. 22
Guests are invited to join visitor center staff to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with the center’s fishing and archery programs. Catch-and-release fishing will be offered for youth ages 3-16 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; pre-registration is not required. The center’s inaugural archery program will be offered in the afternoon at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and is for those ages 8 and older. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided.
Hollywood at the Hatchery: Friday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m.
Have a night out with the family and enjoy “Finding Nemo.” Bring blankets, sleeping bags and pillows to get comfy in the visitor center’s auditorium for this movie event. Pizza, pop, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase.
Autumn Archery: Saturday, Oct. 6, 20 and Nov. 3 at 8, 9 and 10 a.m.
Learn to shoot a bow in a safe and fun environment. For ages 8 and older. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided.
Nature Discovery Hike: Saturday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m.
Take an afternoon stroll with visitor center staff on the nature trails to celebrate Michigan Trails Week and learn about the plants and animals that live on the grounds of the fish hatchery.
Fall Fishing Days: Saturday, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Catch-and-release fishing for youth ages 3-16; all equipment is provided. No pre-registration is necessary. Participants are guaranteed to fish for 30 minutes. Fishing slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Fall Color Discovery Walks: Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Take a gentle stroll and enjoy the beautiful fall season! Learn why trees change color in the fall, see a variety of tree species in their autumn splendor and learn how to identify some common Michigan species.
Beginners Birding: Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m.
Find out how easy and fun it is to learn about birds! Join the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo to find out what birds are stopping by the hatchery’s ponds on their way south for the winter. This program will focus on ducks, which are great for beginners. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; visitor center staff will have some extras on hand for those without.
Animals After Dark: Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.
Take an evening walk through the woods to discover what creatures are active under the cover of darkness!
Hatchery Tours: September, October and first three weekends in November
Weekdays: By special reservation only; Saturday, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; Sunday, noon and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Unless otherwise noted, programs are one hour in length, offered FREE of charge and open to all ages and skill levels. The walks are not strenuous and are approximately 1 mile or less.
The visitor center is open to the public during the fall season (September, October and the first three weekends in November), Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
The visitor center is located at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan. For detailed information on what there is to see and do at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, visit www.michigan.gov/wolflakevc.
For more information, or to pre-register for a program, contact the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center by phone at 269-668-2876 or email at ramseys2@michigan.gov.
