Fish Wizards 2026 & Fish-A-Palooza II

7th Annual Fish Wizards Tour & Fish-a-Palooza II

The Tours are sold out, but come to the Fish-a-Palooza on Saturday afternoon, May 30, 3-7 pm - for art, paleo-sculpture, music, and a fish dinner!

• Garold Sneegas, Underwater photographer of Flint Hills Fishes, the art exhibition opening May 30, in conversation with the "Fish Bros," Joe Tomelleri & Ray Troll

• Gary Staab, paleosculptor of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures for museums across the country. Staab will bring BIG PARTS and discuss his process. Staab just completed the bison that were installed at the entrance of the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian.

• Music by "Lonesome Charlie Bonner" the fossil-hunter from Scott City, KS

• Fish Dinner prepared by Adam Waechter of Mel's Gathering Spot in Alma, KS.
  Reservations by May 24, please!

  
  $15 general admission | Kids are free | Reservations required

  Under "Select Date & Time," select Saturday, May 30.

  Go to "Get Tickets."

  Make your dinner reservations by May 24th.

  Saturday Night Dinner | $20

  General Admission to the Fish-a-Palooza benefits

  the Native Stone Scenic Byway and Volland Foundation

Join us next year -

A fundraiser for Native Stone Scenic Byway and Volland Foundation

....for a fun-filled trip to see and learn more about the abundant native fish species in Wabaunsee County, Kansas!

Wade in a clear Flint Hills stream. See native fish in bright colors!

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 underwater photography by Garold Sneegas of the fishes in Flint Hills streams. Alongside his work, the artist provides detailed notes about his fishy subjects.

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. Details will be shared about the 20+ species of fish that are found in clear Flint Hills streams.

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. More event details at vollandfoundation.org.

The Fish Wizards

Dr. Brian Bohnsack was the original idea man behind the tour, and he will 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, Nebraska,

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

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 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!

After the Fish Tour ends, enjoy Main Street USA (aka Alma), the Antique Emporium, the Wabaunsee County Historical Museum, the Stop to Shop, then mosey on back to Volland for Fish-a-Palooza!