For Educators

National Fishing Week

A clinic for Dillingham youth was held, with support from the local Girl Scout Troop and Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation Accident Prevention Program. The clinic featured six stations: fish biology and location; presentation - tackle and equipment; knot tying; casting; hooking, handling, and releasing fish and angler ethics; and angler safety.

Seminars targeting adults have also been held in Dillingham, with Togiak Refuge and other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff cooperating with Alaska Department of Fish & Game biologists to offer instruction. Topics covered include local fishing opportunities and strategies, fly fishing/fly tying/fly casting, lure making, catch and release techniques, and float trip opportunities.

Togiak Refuge biologists worked with 1st grade classes at Dillingham Elementary School to collect and identify aquatic insect larvae and discuss pond ecology.

Togiak Refuge staff visit elementary school classes for fisheries presentations. Information is presented on fish anatomy, life history of Pacific salmon, management strategies, and the rationale behind sport fishing regulations.

Quinhagak Village Corporation has sponsored fly-fishing clinics for village residents and visitors. The goal of the clinics was to promote a cooperative spirit and understanding between village residents and the sport fishing industry. Togiak Refuge staff assisted at the clinic by offering fly-tying instruction and presentations on fish biology, anatomy, and life history.

Togiak Refuge staff and the local Boy Scouts of America have worked together to sponsor activities for scouts. An introduction to fisheries was presented, along with some instruction on fishing gear and casting, followed by a hands-on opportunity for the scouts to try out their skills at catching fish

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