The annual Kids Ice Fishing Day on February 7, 2026, was an incredible success, bringing together over480 attendees, including enthusiastic staff and dedicated volunteers! Hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s three La Crosse area fisheries offices, in partnership with our Friends Group, the Friends of the Upper Mississippi, this year’s event was truly a celebration of community and nature. With 228 children aged 5-12 participating, many of whom experienced ice fishing for the first time, the day was filled with excitement and learning. Under the expert guidance of Kyle Von Ruden, a Geneticist from the Whitney Genetics Lab in La Crosse, participants received valuable ice fishing tips and a vital safety briefing before heading out to fish on pond 5.
After a morning of fishing, where many young anglers caught their limit of three rainbow trout each, families enjoyed a light lunch catered by our Friends Group. The Sturgeon building was a great place to warm up throughout the day for some coffee and hot chocolate.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our volunteers, the Friends of the Upper Mississippi, Federal and State Wardens, Genoa EMT, the USFWS staff and the Roch Kendrick Foundation for making this event possible. It was a wonderful morning spent outside, fostering a love for nature among children and their families!
By: Erica Rasmussen