Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette 252 children were registered in this year's KBIC Kids Fishing Day. The children and their families could fish from a small pop-up trout pond which was stocked with KBIC's farm raised rainbow trout. Since rainbow trout are not a native species, KBIC does not release them into the wild and utilizes them for food and events such as these. If the children caught any trout KBIC Natural Resources Department staff would fillet the fish for them.

BARAGA — The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department held its third annual Kids Fishing Day Saturday at the Ojibwa Campground, part of the 2025 Junior Angler Events. The event was supported by Baraga County Promise Neighborhood, the Calumet-Keweenaw Sportsmen’s Club, Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College as a way to offer an outdoor family event which could also serve as a way to teach children about conservation and fishing.

More than 250 children from ages one to 17 brought their families along as they practiced fishing skills at a pop-up rainbow trout pond or a nearby small pond and marina where they had the chance to catch native fish species such as northern pike or rock bass. Children were given a free fishing pole and tackle box so they can pracxtice the skills they learned that day on their own time with their families. KBIC Natural Resources Administrative Specialist Michael Lahti said he saw many children bring their fishing gear that was gifted to them at last year’s event, which was very encouraging to him due to a maintained interest in fishing. “We know that it’s important for them to get it (fishing equipment), because these kids might not get the poles or equipment any other way, Lahti said. “So we want to make sure that regardless of of financial situation, that these kids have the ability to partake in these activities.”

Lahti said the number of children registered for the event was encouraging, having more than 200 participants preregistered, over a hundred more than a year ago. Last year the weather was rainy and resulted in lower turnout, but this year’s warmer temperatures and overall pleasant weather attracted a larger crow. Children came from throughout Houghton and Baraga Counties and as far away as Marquette and Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Lahti said events such as this are important to attract new potential fishermen into the activity and teach children to become more self reliant. “We’re promoting activities that if you’re hunting and gathering and fishing and doing things for yourself, you’re less reliant on the larger food system. You’re gaining a skill that’s lifelong– that you could pass onto others,” he said.

The Kids Fishing Day was not a contest driven event, with the emphasis on community and education. Any legally sized fish or rainbow trout caught by the children was filleted by KBIC Natural Resources Department staff for them to take home and cook. Lahti said this was part of promoting food and fish sovereignty.

In addition to fishing, there were several booths that provided information regarding fishing, conservation and environmental awareness. Booths were provided by Keweenaw National Historical Park, Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA) and the Calumet-Keweenaw Sportsmen’s Club.

Calumet-Keweenaw Sportsmen’s Club board member and Secretary Richard Marsh worked a booth to promote more of the 2025 Junior Angler Events the groups are putting together this summer, with this year being the second time KBIC has partnered with the Club. The 2025 Junior Angler Events were made possible with a grant from the National Park Foundation. The day before Kids Fishing Day, the club ran a beginner fishing clinic for children. Marsh said there were many kids who were excited to practice their skills. “We had some good kids yesterday with our clinics,” Marsh said. “Most of them have come back here already to talk to me and make sure that they tied their hooks right for today’s event.”

KBIC Natural Resources Community Outreach Coordinator Austin Ayers said he has been able to see many children in attendance over the years hone their fishing skills. “I’ve run into a few kids so far that I remember from the years prior, and they seem to be better fishermen than they have in years prior, or they at least have more patience,” he said. “And that’s really exciting to see that they’re sticking with it, and they’re learning and picking up that true art of what fishing really is.”

While Ayers also emphasized the importance of fishing as a way to teach the importance of self reliance, sustainability and living off the land, he said the community aspect was just as vital. “It’s really exciting to see a lot of these kids catch their first fish so far. Just to see kids running around, jumping up and down, screaming, ‘Look at this mom’ or ‘Look at this Dad.’ That’s a really rewarding feeling just to be a member of the department of this event. It’s awesome to see the families out, people interacting and socializing and just the strength of our community is really on display at events like this.”