Fish Wizards & Fish-A-Palooza

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

May 31 & June 1, 2025

6th Annual Fish Wizards Tour!

Purchase tickets here | $50 + tax and fee

plus –

Fish-a-Palooza !

A Community Experience | May 31 | Doors at 2:30pm

Scroll below for details

6th Annual Fish Wizards Tour



Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1 2025

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 Fish Bro Show by Joe Tomelleri and Ray Troll (two of the Fish Wizards). Scientific and whimsical depictions of fish and fish-related themes will delight you before you join the caravan to a local creek where we link up with the Wizards.

Who are the Fish Wizards?

Dr. Brian Bohnsack was the original idea man behind the tour. Dr. Bohnsack 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. Joe is a 2025 Volland Exhibiting Artist whose work will be on display at the Volland gallery during the month of June.

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 joined the Wizards in 2024. He 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 was the featured guest in 2024 and is now part of the team.“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.” Ray is a 2025 Volland Exhibiting Artist, whose work will be on display in the Volland gallery during the month of June.

Joining the Wizards in 2025 is 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 four 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: 24098 Volland Road. Map and directions here.

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

Look at the Eventbrite listing for more details and the schedule of events.

After the tour ends on Saturday, mosey on back to Volland for more fun –

the Fish-a-Palooza!

(scroll down for details)