New Fishing Hole for Filer to Open

Youths in the Magic Valley have a brand new fishing hole thanks to a cooperative effort between the Twin Falls Canal Co. and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The public is invited to a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, November 28. The new ponds are about 4.5 miles north of Filer on the 2300 East Road, on the east side of the 4350 North and 2300 East intersection. From Twin Falls, take the Poleline Road West toward Filer and turn right on 2300 East. The ponds were built by the Twin Falls Canal Co. as part of a project to improve water quality in irrigation return drains. The canal company is allowing public access and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to stock fish. "Developing urban fisheries is a priority of the Idaho Fish and Game," said Doug Megargle, fisheries manager in the Magic Valley Region. "These ponds are going to be a great addition for area anglers." The newly named "Filer Kids Ponds" is actually two ponds - one smaller pond for kids age 12 and under and a larger pond to the north open to all anglers. The canal company is requesting only children 12 year old or younger use the smaller pond as part of the public access condition. The daily bag limit is six trout any size. "High gas prices and busy families have forced many folks to seek fishing opportunities that are close by; we hope this new fishery will make it easier to get the family out fishing," said Scott Stanton, regional fisheries biologist. Fish and Game biologists, canal company employees and members of the Magic Valley Fly Fishermen will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 28 lending fishing rods and bait and providing hot dogs while supplies last. The Fish and Game will stock about 2,000 trout, 8 to 15 inches long, for the event. "There'll be some big trout in there for the grand opening day," said Joe Chapman, Hagerman State Fish Hatchery manager. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game at 324-4359.