Make plans to go fishing on Free Fishing Day

JEROME - Looking for a fun summer time activity close to home? Try fishing. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will be hosting five Free Fishing Day events in the Magic Valley Region on June 12. With the help of Walmart, Blue Lakes Sporting Goods, Sportsman's Warehouse, Bass Hunters, Wood River Land Trust and several other volunteer groups, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has planned a morning full of fun events. The goal of Free Fishing Day is to teach people a lifetime sport, provide information and teach the skills needed to catch fish. To help people get started, the state dropped the need for a fishing license on June 12. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the volunteer organizations will also provide fishing poles, teach cast techniques, provide bait and show people how to clean their catch. Experts will be on hand to help the first-time anglers have a successful day. At many of the events, visitors will be provided a hotdog lunch and free fishing poles, tackles and other gear that will be given away to several luck winners. Fishing events will be staffed from 8 a.m. to noon, at: - Freedom Park in Burley. - Oster Ponds at the Hagerman State Fish Hatchery. - Gaver's Lagoon at the Hayspur Fish Hatchery near Picabo. - Heagle Kids Pond in Hailey. - Camas Kids Pond in Fairfield. People not interested in attending one of the sponsored events can still fish any open public water listed in Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations without a license on June 12. Anglers need to remember to adhere to all the state's fishing rules regarding size restrictions, legal baits, and limits. For more information, call 324-4359.