Weber Lake kids' fishing opener planned for May 14

By RALPH ANSAMI

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UPSON, Wis. — The traditional kids’ fishing opener on Weber Lake has been moved back a week this year to Saturday, May 14.

The Youth Fishing Jamboree is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and the first 50 children to be signed up will receive a free rod and reel combination and a lunch of hot dogs, bratwursts and soft drinks, sponsored by the Superior Bass Fishing Club. Members of that club, with the help of many other volunteers, will assist youths and their families at the jamboree.

Bait will be provided as well.

Food will begin at 11 a.m. and around noon numerous door prizes from local merchants and clubs will be given away.

The kids’ opener, initiated by former Wisconsin game warden John Windt, was previously held on the opening weekend of Wisconsin’s fishing season, but at least twice it snowed for the opener and the children were often bundled up in snowmobile suits.

The event was moved back a week this year so the Department of Natural Resources can stock the lake with trout for the kids.

Tom Johnson, of the bass club, said the Department of Natural Resources plans to stock the lake with 6,000 rainbow trout before the kids’ opener.

“Come out and enjoy a great afternoon with your child,” said Rita Franzoi, marketing and events coordinator with the Hurley Chamber of Commerce.

“If your child has received a pole from one of the previous years, please allow another child the option of receiving one this year,” Franzoi said.

For complete registration information, contact the Hurley Chamber of Commerce at 715-561-4334.

Wisconsin’s general inland fishing season gets under way Saturday, May 7.