It's Fish-O-Lantern Season! | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Get Ready to Carve Fish Pumpkins!

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Fall is in the air and you know what that means!!! It’s #PSL season (aka Pumpkin Seed Lover!)

A photoshopped image of a pumpkinseed fish wearing a floppy hat and holding a carving knife in front of a pumpkin. Two small fish are in front of the pumpkin, and the pumpkin looks like it has been carved into a fish themed jack-o-lantern.

We’re talking sweaters, coco, cider, floppy hats, long walks at the apple orchard while your friend records you in 4K slow motion, DE-CO-RA-TIVE GOURDS! Get out there with your plaid print blanket and read a book at your local wildlife refuge. Throw yourself a picnic at a national fish hatchery. Heck, get really festive and enjoy a nice fall day on the water fishing with your favorite people. And once you've done all that, put down your pumpkin spice latte and pick up your actual pumpkins because we have the perfect fall activity for you.

Create your very own Fish-O-Lantern!

Illustration contains a black silhouette with a white, spotted fish jumping out of the water

Image Details

Black illustration of a silhouette of a fish. The fish is short and round with a spiky top fin.

Image Details

Instructions

1) Print a copy of the template and tape it on the pumpkin.

2) Transfer the design by poking holes along the black lines with a thumb tack or the tip of a pen.

3) Remove the template and keep it on the side as a reference.

4) Cut along your dotted lines, beginning with those inside the fish, so you have a stable surface.

Tip: if you have a drill, you can use it as a quick way to carve the eye and spots.

5) Remove sections of cut pumpkin, insert light and tag @USFWS in your pumpkin photos!

Trout Pumpkin Carving Template with Instructions

Pumpkinseed Fish Pumpkin Carving Template with Instructions

Want to learn to fish?

People fish for many reasons: spending time with family and friends, enjoying the challenge of catching a fish, being outdoors and near water, or for many, just soaking in some quiet solitude. Whatever your reason, now is a great time to enjoy a fall fishing trip!

You could be fishing in just three easy steps:

Many places to fish are closer than you think, including many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries!

The National Fish Hatchery System

Since 1872 the National Fish Hatchery System has been improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline or at risk. Across the country the network of national fish hatcheries work with states and Tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations. More than 1 million people visit a national fish hatchery every year to fish, hunt, hike, go birdwatching, and simply enjoy the outdoors.