Small ponds can produce big thrills for young anglers. The Friends of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are working to enhance the popular fishing pond near the Visitor’s Center at the refuge.

The Friends of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are working to improve the fishing access at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Carroll Township, creating a new trail along a pond located in front the refuge’s visitor center.

The pond has been a popular spot for kid’s fishing. The new trail would enhance the angling opportunities by providing access for handicapped and disabled young anglers.

At the forefront of fundraising efforts are the Friends of the ONWR, which is trying to raise $20,000 for the youth fishing trail, a three phase plan known as the Anglers of Tomorrow Project.

The stone trail that had been in use is now closed as pilings are installed for a third fishing platform. Also involved in the pond improvements are the Ottawa County Community Foundation, the U.S. Coast Guard, Ohio National Guard and the UAW Local 12, among others.

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge has also proposed changes that will update the refuge’s fishing program. The last update for the Ottawa Fishing program was in 1985.

Proposed changes include: Units open to fishing include the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Pond, Radar Ditch and Crane Creek; Ottawa/Magee Borrow Ponds; Metzger Marsh, Helle Unit, Knom Unit, Turtle Creek Unit; and Burmeister Unit and Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Pond.