You Can Come Fishin' Too, Don't Need a License

Saturday, June 12, is Free Fishing Day in Idaho - the one day each year that a fishing license is not required for anyone. To go fishing on any other day, anglers will need to buy a fishing license. Free Fishing Day includes Chinook salmon, and anglers who catch one do not need to validate their permit. All other fishing regulations still apply. Be sure to check the regulations for the area you intend to fish. "Free fishing day provides a great opportunity for novices to give fishing a try and perhaps develop it into a life-long pursuit," said Jeff Dillon, Southwest Region fishery manager for Idaho Fish and Game. "Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun fishing excitement." Never been fishing before? No problem. Fishing events, sponsored by Idaho Fish and Game regional offices, are planned all around the state. Fishing rods are usually provided as well as some basic instruction on how to fish. Fish and Game personnel and volunteers will be on hand to help first time anglers discover the joys of fishing at the following free events. For details contact the regions listed here: Panhandle Region - Pete Gardner - 208-769-1414.

• Bonners Ferry - Snow Creek Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Calder - Calder Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Clark Fork - Clark Fork Lodge Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Coeur d'Alene - Ponderosa Springs Golf Course, 7 to 11 a.m.
• 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 (near Sagle) - 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 - Mann Lake.
• Moscow/Troy - Spring Valley Reservoir.
• Riggins - Box Canyon Pond (Long Gulch Pond).

Southwest Region - Evin Oneale - 208-465-8465.

• Boise - Parkcenter Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cascade - Fischer's Pond, 10 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
• Eagle - Merrill Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Emmett - Ed's Pond, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Lowman - 10-mile Ponds, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Nampa - Nampa Hatchery, 8 a.m. to noon.
• New Meadows - Kimberland Meadows Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Idaho City - Visitor Center Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Weiser - Weiser Community Pond, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Magic Valley Region - Kelton Hatch - 208-324-4350.

• Hagerman - Hagerman Fish Hatchery 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Picabo - Gavers Lagoon at Hayspur Fish Hatchery, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Southeast Region - Jennifer Jackson - 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 - Gregg Losinski - 208-525-7290. Events run from 9 a.m. to noon and 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.
• (The U.S. Forest Service will host an event in Island Park and the Kids Mill Pond on the Yale-Kilgore Road.

Salmon Region - Tom Curet - 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/.