Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO teaming up with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance to host 13th annual Take Kids Fishing Day

Looking forward to spending quality time with a child? Attend the 13^th Annual Free Take a Kid Fishing event.

June 2, 2025

LA CROSSE, Wis. —  For the 13th year, the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO (WWAFLCIO) is teaming up with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Boots on the Ground conservation program to host Annual Take Kids Fishing Day from 9 to noon on Saturday, June 7th at the Pettibone Park Lagoon, 700 Pettibone Dr. N., La Crosse, Wis.

Each registered youngster will receive a fishing pole that is his or hers to keep. So, register the kids, grab your camera, and get ready for a fun day at the lagoon.

This event is free and open to the public, but it is limited to the first 125 children aged 2-17. A parent, guardian or chaperon must accompany all participants.

Fishing poles (to keep!), bait, temporary tattoos, fishing odds-and-ends, beverages, and light picnic-style snacks, will be provided by the WWAFLCIO. For the 13^th year, Ace Hardware of La Crosse will be donating bait for the event.

“Not only do kids love to fish, but it’s satisfying for grown-ups to watch a kid who’s all smiles while catching a fish, large or small … and with school ending, there’s no better time than now to get a youngster hooked on fishing,” said Mike Davis Jr, President Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “It’s also a great way to show area residents the cornucopia of public access fishing spots in the Coulee Region.”

Roughly 125 children and their parents attended last year’s event and over 1,100 children and their parents attended this event in the first twelve years. Since the event coincides with Wisconsin DNR’s “Free Fishing Weekend;” adults will not need licenses to join their children and fish on the first.

Advanced registration is encouraged. To register, visit and sign up here:  https://bit.ly/4lXSbsN

For more information about the WWAFLCIO Take Kids Fishing Day or to find out how you can help, contact Mike Davis Jr at 608-799-1313 or email president@westernwisconsinaflcio.org.

The USA’s Boots on the Ground (BOTG) program brings together union members from around the country, who volunteer their time and expertise, to tackle conservation projects that improve and enhance public access, wildlife habitat and outdoor experiences for communities across America.