Angler Education

Kids, Parents, Educators

Fishing Wisconsin

Angler Education: Teaching Materials

Big Splash of Color

You have arrived at your one-stop shop for classroom and field day materials related to fish and fishing. Don't feel constrained by our suggested grade levels - mix and match to suit your students' needs, abilities, and interests. Most importantly, have fun introducing them to the joys of fishing and their role in protecting Wisconsin's aquatic resources.

A Big Splash of Color - Grades Pre-K-3

This 12-page booklet offers games, activities and information for young anglers. There’s even a spot to record their first catch!

My First Fish Certificate

Here's a way to combine fishing and writing skills. Print the My First Fish [PDF 527KB] certificate to help launch the next Hemingway.

Big Catch Certificates

Need a way to recognize your child’s great catch? Visit the "Kids Fishing Hall of Fame" [exit DNR] to download a Big Catch Certificate and celebrate your child's fishing success.

Fish Fact Sheets

bluegill

Learn about habitat, distribution, identification, and much more with our Fish Fact Sheets. Companion links offer a boatload of related information.


Catch 'n' Color - Grades 3 - 6

Download a coloring page and learn about two popular Wisconsin fish, the brook trout and the largemouth bass.

Junior Angler - Grades 4 - 8

Junior Angler

Junior Angler Program materials are tied to Wisconsin's Model State Academic Standards. Click on the following links to download and print the pages that meet your needs. Printed Junior Angler booklets are still available in classroom quantities to DNR-certified Angler Education Instructors. To obtain certification, attend a training workshop (see links at the top of this page).



Fish Packs - Grades 6 - 8, & younger siblings!


Check out a backpack stuffed with fish-related games, stories, and activities. Fish Packs are availavle at many Tackle Loaner Sites.


Hook, Line, & Thinker! - Grades 7 - 12

Hook, Line and Thinker!

Hook, Line, & Thinker addresses life sciences and related social issues though the eyes of an angler. A companion field guide incorporates a fishing experience.

The Hook, Line & Thinker Guides are posted as individual lesson plans to make downloading much faster and this program easier to use.

  • Science Guide
    • The Science Guide uses fish and water as focal points for teaching broader life science concepts and supports many academic standards for science, environmental education, language arts, and social studies.
  • Field Guide
    • The Field Guide is aimed at physical education students or those in after-school programs, summer camps, or other places that have the ability to provide an angling field trip. We encourage instructors to work together to give their students the full Hook, Line, & Thinker experience.

Fish Wildcards - For Everybody!

Wildcards

Now you can download the popular Fish Wildcards, Match Your Catch [PDF 6MB]. Print the whole set of 45 fish, plus games, knots, basic fish anatomy, a common fish parasite, and a handy trick to estimate your fish's weight with a ruler!


A Fine Kettle of Fish - For Chefs of All Ages

Pickled suckers, anyone? Perhaps a plate of mock sardines or carp patties would be more to your liking. Ladle up some recipes from the classic DNR cookbook, "A Fine Kettle of Fish" by the late Vern Hacker and sample some of Wisconsin's under-appreciated culinary surprises. Mr. Hacker was a Fish Control Specialist with the Department, and in 1977 came up with a creative way to control "rough" fish populations. Carpe Carp - Seize the Carp!

When Fish Rode the Rails - For History Buffs from 3 to 103

Follow the story of the Badger #2, a train car that transported millions of fish from early Wisconsin fish hatcheries to lakes and streams. Click on the links below to download a coloring page. The first version prints on 11” X 17” paper and the second on 8.5” X 11”.

For more information on Wisconsin's Angler Education programs, please contact:

Theresa Stabo, Aquatic Resources Educator
(608) 266-2272

Last Revised: Monday January 16 2012