The Mason County Walleye Association hosts its annual dinner in late June at the Ludington Boat Club. The event features a perch dinner, silent auction, door prizes and a raffle. Tickets are $15 and are available at Ludington Truck Tops or by contacting Carter Koles at (231) 843-2183.

Area fishermen who love to catch walleye have one group to thank for their abundance in area lakes--the Mason County Walleye Association. Over the past 25 years, the group has raised more than 3.5 million walleye for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources...with most going into Hamlin Lake. Just recently 150,000 walleyes were released into Hamlin Lake after being housed and fed in a pond they maintain in southeast Ludington. The purpose of the Mason County Walleye Asssociation is important, as the fish do not always reproduce naturally, and government help is waning.

Once every two years, Hamlin Lake gets 150,000 walleye, providing banner fishing year after year.

The Mason County Walleye Association is supported solely by donations and fundraising banquets. It takes between $5,000-$6,000 a year to operate the pond, with most of the cost going for electricity to run the pumps.

If you cannot attend the banquet but would like to make a donation, you can do so through the Community Foundation for Mason County. Or contact MCWA President Carter Koles at (231) 843-2183.