Children are the life blood to the future of not only our hatchery, but fishing in general, and the conservation efforts needed to keep our resources and waterways strong and everlasting.  Our volunteers work hard each year to meet the needs of our youngsters and provide them with exciting options for outdoor education, fun and great fishing.   No matter the age, the Norfork Hatchery tries to get all visitors involved and active within our community.   The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery hosts two annual events during the year designed specifically for kids.

1.  Kids Fishing Derby:  The annual Fishing Derby is a great event and brings in some 200 children from the area for a fun filled day of food, games, raffles and fishing.   Last year through the efforts of our volunteers, we provided fishing for children ranging in age from 2 to 18 with our small children fishing in the hatchery's portable fishing tanks.  This event will be held Saturday June 8th below the Norfork Lake Dam.  

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2013 KIDS FISHING DERBY VIDEO!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE KIDS FISHING DERBY! 

2.  Hatchery Outdoor Adventure: 

The HATCHERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE is held annually the first Saturday after Labor Day at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. The event is free, open to all age groups and specifically geared toward activities that are experienced out of doors. Various organizations, civic groups, businesses, and interested individuals gather at this event to offer hands-on opportunities for children and their parents/guardians that are fun and educational.  We have already received commitment for 2024 from several past presenters, as we look forward to an even bigger and better educational experience just a few months from now.  We know that offering learning experiences related to outdoor activities will broaden the horizons of young minds and, in our case, put a spotlight on our hatchery and fishery. This knowledge will surely offer a path to good stewardship of our ecosystem.

In the past we have offered sessions in archery, fly-tying, fly rod casting, fishing, knot tying, Japanese fish printing (Gyotaku), land navigation and investigating insects, Arkanasa Bats, making Chia pets, kiddy fishing in the raceways, freshwater macro-invertebrates, and the importance of wetlands and several more.  We are adding even more options this year.  Please join us from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, for a wonderful day of adventure!

Many of you have offered your expertise and commitment with the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery in previous years to make the Hatchery Outdoor Adventure a meaningful experience for children.  Your participation is needed and welcome for the success of our 2024 event.  Please contact Joe or Lerene Salisbury to offer your involvement in this exciting educational event.

Thanks so much!

Joe Salisbury 870-321-2455 – joesali548@gmail.com

Lerene Salisbury 870-321-2456 – lerene5551@gmail.com

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2024 HATCHERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE VIDEO! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE HATCHERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!