Raging Waters Change Plans for Idaho Falls Free Fishing Day

For a number of years, Free Fishing Day in Idaho Falls has meant lots of fun for youths catching fish in the portion of Willow Creek located in Freeman Park. Idaho Fish and Game would barricade a section of the creek to contain planted hatchery fish, and the Elks Clubs would help children experience the thrill of catching a fish. But this year water flows are too high for safety or to allow for good fishing. Thanks to a bargain struck between Fish and Game and Idaho Falls Power, the Gem State Kids Pond will open early, and all the fish that would have been planted in Willow Creek will instead be stocked at the pond. The Gem State Kids Pond is south of Idaho Falls, near the Bonneville-Bingham County line. While children under the age of 14 always fish for free, Free Fishing Day is the one time each year when adults too can fish without a license. This year the event falls on Saturday, June 11. While all other regulations still apply, this opportunity is open to everyone - except those who have had their fishing privileges revoked - and you don't have to be a resident. While everyone gets to fish free, the real point of the day is to help expose children to the fun of fishing. All of the official sites will have experienced staff and volunteers on hand to help newcomers get started. Folks planning to take advantage of Free Fishing Dday should remember that all other fishing regulations remain in force, and fees are still charged for camping in the state parks. Fish and Game employees, volunteers and other civic groups will be on hand at the following fishing spots help teach youngsters to tie fishing knots, bait hooks and cast properly. All the sites will have loaner poles to help kids get started, along with a generous supply of worms for bait. It is important that a parent or guardian accompany all children. Adults and single-parent families are strongly encouraged to come and learn more about our national fishing heritage.

• Idaho Falls area - Gem State Kids Pond, south of Idaho Falls at the Bonneville-Bingham County line. Adults welcome to fish too.
• Rexburg area - Rexburg city ponds west of fair grounds.
• Victor area - Trail Creek Kids Pond.
• Ashton Hatchery - By reservation only, call Fish and Game at 208-525-7290.
• Island Park - Mill Creek Pond on Yale-Kilgore Road.

High water also means that the Take Me Fishing Trailer events scheduled for the Idaho Falls Greenbelt on June 13 and 15 will be moved to the Gem State Kids Pond, but hosted at the same times as advertised. During these events the pond will be open to angling enthusiasts of all ages, not just youths.