Saturday, June 11 is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, 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 state, 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 nearest event listed below, and "Take a Kid Fishing."
Panhandle Region: For information 208-769-1414.
- Coeur d'Alene - Ponderosa Springs Golf Course, 7 to 11 a.m.
- Bonners Ferry - Snow Creek Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Calder - Calder Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Clark Fork - Clark Fork Lodge, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Enaville - Steamboat Ponds, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Harrison - Harrison Marina, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Mullan - Lucky Friday Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Post Falls - Post Falls Park Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Priest Lake - Priest Lake Golf Course, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Rathdrum - Rathdrum City Park, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Sandpoint - Round Lake State Park, 9 a.m. to noon.
Clearwater Region: For information 208-799-5010. All events 9 a.m. to noon.
- Elk City - Karolyn's Pond.
- Grangeville - Wilkin's Pond.
- Headquarters - Pierce/Weippe - Deer Creek Reservoir.
- Kooskia - Fenn Pond, 5 miles from Lowell on Forest Service Road 223.
- Lewiston - Levee (Kiwanis) Pond.
- Lewiston - Mann Lake.
- Moscow/Troy - Spring Valley Reservoir.
- Riggins - Box Canyon Pond (Long Gulch Pond).
Southwest Region: For more information call 208-634-8137 in McCall or 208-465-8465 in Nampa.
- Boise - Parkcenter Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
- Cascade - Fischer's Pond, 10 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
- Council - Council Park Pond (a.k.a. Ol' McDonald Pond), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Eagle - Merrill Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Emmett - Ed's Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Horseshoe Bend - Mill Pond, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Idaho City - Visitor Center Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lowman - 10-mile Ponds, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- McCall - Rowland (Scout) Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- McDevitt Pond - Boise, 8 a.m. to noon.
- Mountain Home - Legacy Park Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Nampa - Wilson Springs Ponds, 8 a.m. to noon. (A location change from years past. No Free Fishing Day event will be at the Nampa Fish Hatchery across the street from Wilson Springs.)
- New Meadows - Kimberland Meadows Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Leroy Matthews Memorial Fishing Event.
- Payette - Atwood Pond, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Weiser - Weiser Community Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Magic Valley Region: For information 208-324-4350.
- Hagerman - Hagerman Fish Hatchery 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Murtaugh - Rocky's Pond, 8 a.m. to noon.
- Picabo - Gavers Lagoon at Hayspur Fish Hatchery, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Southeast Region: For information 208-232-4703.
- Aberdeen/Springfield - McTucker Ponds, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Grace - Grace Fish Hatchery, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children 14 and under may fish, but age 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pocatello - Hawkins Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Soda Springs - Kelly Park Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children 13 and under may fish, but age 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Upper Snake Region: For information 208-525-7290. All events from 9 a.m. to noon; loaner poles and worms will be available.
- Idaho Falls - Willow Creek in Freeman Park.
- Roberts - Roberts Gravels Pond.
- Ashton Hatchery - advanced registration only event.
- Trail Creek Pond - Victor.
Salmon Region: For information 208-756-2271.
- Salmon - Kid's Creek Pond from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Challis - Blue Mountain Pond from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Stanley - Sawtooth Hatchery from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information about regional events contact local Fish and Game offices or visit the Fish and Game Website at
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.
