Free Fishing Day Coming Up On June 10TH

IDAHO FALLS - While kids under the age of 14 always get to fish for free in Idaho, Free Fishing Day is the one time each year when adults too can fish without a license. This year the event falls on Saturday, June 10th. While all other regulations still apply, this incredible opportunity is open to everyone, and you don't even have to be a resident to participate! While everyone gets to fish for free, the real point of the day is to help expose kids and beginning adults to the fun of fishing. All of the official sites will have experienced staff and volunteers on hand to help newcomers get started! Many rivers and reservoirs statewide have been stocked recently to make sure novice anglers will have the best possible shot at a successful first outing. Those taking advantage of free fishing day should remember that all other fishing regulations remain intact and fees are still charged for camping in the state parks. Free Fishing Day is being handled a little differently this year in order to help IDFG judge how the program is working and how it can be made even better. While free fishing will be in effect across the state on the 10th, each region will have only one spot that it will focus department staff and resources. In the Upper Snake, the Rexburg City Ponds is where the bulk of IDFG efforts will be placed. Fortunately, many of the local waters associated with Free Fishing Day have attracted their own local supporters who will be hosting events this year. According to Regional Fish Manager Jim Fredericks, "WeÔre excited that BPOE 1087 (The Elks Club) is going to take the lead on having an event at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls. They've got the go ahead from the city and will screen off an area of the creek. We'll stock it for them with a couple hundred fish for kids to catch." In the Island Park area, the United States Forest Service and the Idaho Park Sportsman's Club will be teaming up to offer a fun outing for families at the Mill Pond located on the Yale-Kilgore Road. IDFG staff will also be on hand at the Trail Creek Pond outside of Victor to help youngsters get started fishing. Adults and single-parent families are strongly encouraged to come and learn more about our proud national fishing heritage. At the Rexburg City Ponds, IDFG will be combining some new angler fishing clinics with educational stations. The educational stations will include fish identification, aquatic invertebrates, fish painting, and fish cleaning. Hosted activities will run from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Participants will also be surveyed to see what they want from Free Fishing Day activities in the future. Call 525-7290 to learn more!