IRON RIVER—The 19th annual Lake Ottawa Kids Fishing Derby, sponsored by the USDA Forest Service Iron River Ranger District, will be held in conjunction with the Michigan Free Fishing Weekend. The one-day derby is set for Saturday, June 13.

Children, ages 15 and under, are invited to test their fishing, casting and racing skills at the Lake Ottawa park outside of Iron River. Registration will be from 7 to 8 a.m. at the day-use building, with the fishing derby beginning at 8. Other contests will be held throughout the morning. At 11 a.m., prizes will be awarded and lunch served in the day use building. Registration forms will be available the day of the event. All contestants must register with a parent or guardian.

To be eligible, fish must be caught in Lake Ottawa, either from the fishing pier or shore. Kids and parents must provide their own fishing equipment and bait.

Prizes will be awarded for a variety of fish caught and registered. There will be a casting contest, minnow races and a fish identification contest as well as the big fish contest.

A memorable, fun-filled day of fishing and educational activities is planned for kids. Over 1,000 young anglers have participated over the past 18 years, coming from all across the U.P. and the Lakes States.

For more details, contact Scott Pearson, wildlife technician, at the Iron River Ranger District Office at 265-5139, ext. 33.