A fundraiser for the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the Volland Foundation

7th Annual Fish Wizards Tour!

May 30 & 31, 2026

9:30am - 1pm

Saturday tour is Sold Out!

Sunday Tour surprise - just announced!

Bob Hoard, retired State Archaeologist for Kansas,

will lead a "Shore Walk and Talk" following the Tour and lunch

at an unexplored section of the creek! (Sunday only)

Purchase tickets here
$50 + tax and fee

New this year:

"FishWizWeekend" Sponsorships available!

"A weekend in the Flint Hills"

Fish Wizard Tour - two tickets 

2 nights at the Brandt House in Alma!

Fish-a-Palooza for two, Saturday night dinner for 2

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Park

Greg & Dina Wingfield

plus –

Fish-A-Palooza II !

(the fundraiser continues - open to all)
$15 General Admission

Fish Dinner by reservation | $20

  Saturday May 30 only 
3pm - 6pm

tickets and details

7th Annual Fish Wizards Tour
Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31 | 2026

Come along for a fun-filled trip to see and learn more about the abundant native fish species in Wabaunsee County, Kansas! More than 20 species of fish are found in the crystal clear waters of these Flint Hills streams, and you will have the opportunity to see them up close!

Spring is an ideal time to see the fish since they’ll be dressed in their full mating colors.

The day launches at 9:30am at Volland’s gallery. Check in early to see the extraordinary exhibition, Fishes of the Flint Hills,  underwater fish photography by Garold Sneegass. Garold was one of the early photographers to make this genre of photography in Wabaunsee County, spending many years in Illinois Creek, just a few miles from Volland.

Who are the Fish Wizards?

Dr. Brian Bohnsack was the original idea man behind the tour. He will
assist with the tours and provide insights on the principles of fish and wildlife management based on his long career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Wichita State University.

Dr. Bill Stark is a professor at Fort Hays State University and specializes in fisheries and aquatic environment studies.

Joe Tomelleri is the world’s leading freshwater fish illustrator whose more than 1,100 scientifically accurate illustrations document the species in their native colors.

Mike Kaminski is a fisheries biologist and Instructor of Biology at Clarkson College in Omaha, NE, who has collected fishes from throughout the U.S. and now enjoys sharing knowledge with students and people of all ages.

Dr. James Whitney researches fishes, macroinvertebrates, and amphibians at Pittsburg State University where he is an Associate Professor of Biology. Through his work,

Dr. Whitney informs the conservation and management of aquatic organisms in an era of global change.

Ray Troll “In his studio on a hill above the Tongass Narrows in rainy Ketchikan, Alaska, Ray Troll creates fishy images that swim into museums, books and magazines, and onto t-shirts worn around the world. He draws his inspiration from extensive field work and the latest scientific discoveries, bringing a street-smart sensibility to the worlds of ichthyology and paleontology.”

Dr. Erika Martin who teaches and researches Biological Sciences in Emporia State University’s School of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Martin’s lab investigates stream ecology, community ecology, life-history, morphology, ontogeny, and conservation biology.

These “Wizards” are a fun bunch – they are as excited to be in the stream as your kids are!

The fun begins when we arrive at the creek –

The Fish Wizards will locate and seine for fish, then bring them up for the participants to see. Attendees will learn sampling techniques, fish identification, and life history information of 20+ species of fish found in the clear waters of Flint Hills streams.

Attendees should wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and will need to be able to walk down stream banks. Volunteers can wade in and help with the sampling efforts if desired. If you wish to wade in the creek, you are encouraged to bring waders or hip boots, though they are not required. Remember that rocks can be slippery! You may get wet during the trip, so dress accordingly. The tour will last about three hours.

Please bring sunscreen, bug repellent, a lawn chair, and if the weather is hot, bring an umbrella for shade from the sun.

We know your dog loves the water and the outdoors, but please leave your beloved pet at home, in consideration of the fish. Thank you for understanding.

After wading and watching and learning, a boxed lunch will be provided around noon, and you are invited to visit and linger in the shade, departing at your leisure.

Attendance is limited to 35 individuals for each day.

The Fish Wizards tour is a fundraiser for the Native Stone Scenic Byway and the Volland Foundation. Registration fees are non-refundable.  Every effort will be made to provide the tour on-site. In the case of heavy rain and/or stream flows, a presentation will be given about Kansas fish species and the history of Volland at the Volland Gallery,  24098 Volland Road. Map and directions here.

This event is for all ages. Bring your kids and grandkids!