June 11 is Free Fishing Day

Saturday, June 11 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 Jeff Dillon said. "Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun fishing 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. In addition, all these locations will be stocked with hatchery rainbow trout prior to the special day. Look for the event nearest you and, "Take a Kid Fishing." Free Fishing Day Events in the Southwest Region - Saturday, June 11, 2005: Note: pay special attention to event times. Airport Pond (South of Idaho City) - 9:00am - 1:00pm. Hosted by the Idaho City Police Department and the Boise National Forest (Idaho City Ranger District). C.J. Strike Reservoir - Cottonwood Access - 9:00am - 1:00pm. Hosted by American Legion Post #101 (Mt. Home). Ed's Pond (Emmett) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise National Forest (Emmett Ranger District), Gem County Recreation District and Idaho Fish and Game. Fischer's Pond (Cascade) - 10:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by Lake Cascade State Park, Southern Valley County Recreation District, Walmart, Cascade Library, Tackle Tom's, Howdy's Gas and Grub, Payette National Forest (Cascade Ranger District) and Idaho Fish and Game. Legacy Park Pond (Mountain Home) - 8:30am - 1:30pm. Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game and Walmart. Lowman (10-mile) Ponds - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise National Forest (Lowman Ranger District), Sourdough Lodge, Walmart and Idaho Fish and Game. McDevitt Pond (Meridian) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Boise Police Association, Walmart, and Idaho Fish and Game. Meadow Creek Pond (New Meadows) - 10:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by Trout Unlimited and Idaho Fish and Game. Merrill Pond (Eagle) - 9:00am - Noon. Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game Nampa Hatchery - 8:00am - Noon. Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game, Nampa Parks and Recreation, Pepsi and Walmart. The pond will be available for fishing by youngsters 13 and under from 8:00 to noon, with open fishing from noon to 9:00pm. 'Ol McDonald Pond (Council) - 8:00am - Noon. Hosted by the Payette National Forest (Council Ranger District) and Idaho Fish and Game. Parkcenter Pond (Boise) - 9:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by the Southwest Idaho Resource Conservation and Development Council, Micron Technology, Sportsman's Warehouse, Hillcrest Floral, Nagel Beverage (Pepsi), Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game. Scout Pond (McCall) - 9:00am - 2:00pm. Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. For more information regarding Free Fishing Day, contact the Fish and Game McCall office (634-8137) or the Nampa office (465-8465).