A recent donation by the Gem State Fly Fishers has resulted in some significant upgrades to Idaho Fish and Game’s Wilson Ponds. Improvements to the pond complex include the installation of 10 steel benches in various locations around the ponds, as well as the addition of steel railings to all of the fishing docks. The club’s generous donation paid for the entirety of the project from materials to construction to installation.
State Fly Fishers is a Nampa-based fly angler’s club that has been in existence for over 40 years and has a long history of partnering with Idaho Fish and Game. Some previous projects and partnerships include helping with the Nampa Fish Hatchery building remodel, and donating funds to help create Wilson Ponds and build the information kiosks. The club has also been involved in many other projects ranging from simple trash clean up at local waters to helping with Bull Trout and Chinook Salmon recovery efforts.
Idaho Fish and Game owns and maintains over 60 fishing and boating access sites in the department’s Southwest Region. Of these, one of the mostly highly utilized sites is the Wilson Pond complex in south Nampa. Consisting of multiple fishing ponds, a 1-mile paved walking path, restrooms, and garbage receptacles; this 45-acre complex is a popular destination for not only anglers, but also bird watchers, joggers, and walkers. In addition to the high daily use, each year the site hosts numerous class field trips, fishing clinics, and Trout in the Classroom activities.
