June 10 is Free Fishing Day

Saturday, June 10 is Free Fishing Day, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game invites veteran and novice anglers of all ages, residents and nonresidents alike, to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license. Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as limits or tackle restrictions, remain in effect. "Free fishing day provides a great opportunity for novices to give fishing a try and perhaps develop it into a life-long pursuit," Fish and Game regional fish manager Dale Allen said. "Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun and excitement." Lack of fishing experience is no excuse. At special locations around the southwest region, equipment will be available for use and fishing experts will be on hand to help novice anglers learn the ins and outs of fishing. Look for the special event nearest you and, "Take a Kid Fishing." Free Fishing Day Events in the Southwest Region - Saturday, June 10, 2000 Note: pay special attention to event times. C.J. Strike Reservoir - Cottonwood Access - 9:00am - 1:00pm. Hosted by American Legion Post #101 (Mt. Home). Hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks will be served and fishing equipment will be given away. Ed's Pond (Emmett) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Payette National Forest (Emmett Ranger District), Gem County Recreation District and Fish and Game. Soft drinks will be served and fishing equipment will be given away. Mill Pond (Horseshoe Bend) - 9:00 - Noon. Hosted by the Horseshoe Bend Optimists and Boise Fish and Game Reservists. Lowman (10-mile) Ponds - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise National Forest (Lowman Ranger District). Sourdough Lodge will be serving hotdogs and soft drinks and fishing equipment will be given away. McDevitt Pond (Meridian) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise Fish and Game Reservists. McDonald Pond (Council) - 9:00am - 4:00pm. Hosted by Fish and Game. Mountain Home Irrigation Canal - 8:30am - 1:30pm. Hosted by the Mountain Home Fish and Game Reservists. Nampa Hatchery - 8:30 - Noon. Hosted by Fish and Game, Nampa Parks and Recreation, the Gem State Fly Fishers and Swire Coca-Cola. Soda and popcorn will be provided and fishing equipment will be given away. The pond will be available for fishing by youngsters 13 and under from 8:30 to noon, with open fishing from noon to 9:00pm. Parkcenter Pond (Boise) - 9:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by the Southwest Idaho Resource Conservation and Development Council, Micron Technology, Intermountain Outdoor Sports, Hillcrest Floral, Nagel Beverage (Pepsi), Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and Fish and Game. Hotdogs and soft drinks will be served and fishing equipment will be given away. Moms bringing their youngsters to this event will be given a carnation, compliments of Hillcrest Floral. Rapid River Hatchery (Riggins) - 8:00am - 5:00pm. Hosted by Fish and Game. The hatchery pond will be available for fishing by youngsters 14 and under throughout the day. Rotary Pond (Caldwell Pond #1) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Caldwell Rotary Club. Scout Pond (McCall) - 9:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by Fish and Game, Outdoor Solutions and T. Avery Outfitters. Hotdogs and soft drinks will be served and goodie bags will be given away to all youngsters. T. Avery Outfitters will be providing fly casting lessons during the event. Visitor Center Pond (Idaho City) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise National Forest (Idaho City Ranger District) For more information regarding Free Fishing Day, contact the Fish and Game McCall office (634-8137) or the Nampa office (465-8465).