Join rangers at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center for an opportunity to become a Junior Angler. This event is perfect for youth in grades 2-5 who are interested in fishing. Throughout this interactive event, participants will have the chance to practice their casting skills, learn essential fishing safety for both summer and winter, identify different types of fishing gear, and understand fishing regulations. Through a series of engaging stations and with the help of a Junior Angler booklet, young anglers will acquire all the necessary skills to fish confidently and responsibly. After completing all stations, participants will be sworn in as Junior Anglers, and they will receive a Junior Ranger Angler Badge.
If ice conditions allow, participants are invited to showcase their ice fishing abilities at North Bar Lake. A park ranger will be available at the lake to meet participants and help them set up for ice fishing. However, please note that this opportunity is subject to changes based on the conditions of the ice on the day of the event.
To ensure that all participants have ample time to complete the Junior Angler booklet and activities, we ask that you arrive at the Visitor Center no later than 3 pm. This event has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the National Park Foundation.
Preregistration is NOT required. Organized youth groups wishing to participate should contact e-mail us to register.
FEE:
Free. All programs offered by the National Lakeshore are free. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.
LOCATION:
Main activities will be located at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. If ice conditions allow, participants are invited to showcase their ice fishing abilities at North Bar Lake. A park ranger will be available at the lake to meet participants and help them set up for ice fishing. However, please note that this opportunity is subject to changes based on the conditions of the ice on the day of the event.
Important:
Programs may be cancelled or the location may change due to snow conditions or winter temperatures.
The decision to cancel or change the location is made two hours in advance. Please call 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, for a voicemail message with the final details.
Programs should be assumed canceled if Leelanau County or Benzie County is under a "Winter Storm Warning" issued by the National Weather Service.