IDFG announces Free Fishing Day, youth fishing clinic

Novice anglers of all ages are invited to celebrate Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 11.

Both residents and nonresidents may fish public waters in Idaho without a license, according to an Idaho Fish and Game press release.

The annual Free Fishing Day is an opportunity for beginner anglers to give fishing a try and perhaps develop a lifelong pursuit, IDFG said. Parents are encouraged to bring their children out for a day of fun and excitement.

To help novice anglers, IDFG will sponsor a number of fishing clinics throughout the state. Fish and Game personnel will answer questions and teach inexperienced anglers about terminal tackle, casting and fishing techniques, and fish identification.

Some fishing tackle and bait will be available for those who don't have their own gear.

Eleven clinics have been scheduled in the Panhandle, IDFG said. The events are geared toward beginning anglers, but all sportsmen and women are welcome to attend.

An earlybird clinic will take place at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course from 7 to 11 a.m. For the 22nd straight year, the Ponderosa owners have agreed to close the course for those four hours, giving youngsters a chance to catch their first fish.

Nearby clinics are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon. Locations include Harrison Marina, Steamboat Pond near Enaville, the Lucky Friday Pond in Mullan, Post Falls Park Pond and Rathdrum City Park.

Rainbow trout are being stocked in each location, IDFG said, which should provide for good fishing. Limited equipment will be available for use; anyone with tackle of their own is encouraged to bring it along.

Participants can arrive anytime during the clinics. Fish and Game staff and volunteers, along with personnel from other agencies, organizations and sportsman groups, will be on hand to provide instruction and assistance if needed.

Although fishing license requirements are suspended for Free Fishing Day, all other rules remain in effect, including bag and length limits or special fishing regulations, IDFG said. Free regulations brochures are available at local sporting goods stores and other retailers.

One week later, on Saturday, June 18, Fish and Game will host youth fishing clinics at Rose Lake. The free events - designed for anglers 16 and under - will start at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to fish with an experienced angler, a department press release said. Panhandle Bass Club Anglers will take the kids out on the lake in their tournament boats. No license is needed.

The event will enable young anglers to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, angling skills and fish cleaning, IDFG said. Participants will enjoy a fish fry, hotdogs and soda, and IDFG will issue First Fish Certificates to recognize young anglers who catch their first 'gill.

Prizes worth up to $100 will be handed out as well.

One parent or guardian must accompany young anglers on the lake, IDFG said.

The department hopes to teach young folks a lifelong hobby, instill an appreciation of aquatic resources and provide an inexpensive, fun family outing. Bluegills are almost always biting on Rose Lake.

Equipment and bait will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear if possible.

Nationwide, the number of anglers is increasing, IDFG noted. However, the percentage of the population that fishes is decreasing. This is attributed to a number of factors, including a decrease of leisure time, parents with little time to fish or limited knowledge of fishing, urbanization, complicated regulations, and loss of "fishing holes" to development.

Free Fishing Day is the ticket to outdoor fun, the department said, and the IDFG-sponsored clinics will help new anglers learn fishing skills with all the necessary tackle provided.

Every year, hundreds of Idahoans and visitors attend the clinics, and thousands turn out statewide to fish without a license.

Space is limited at the June 18 clinics. Please call IDFG to reserve a spot at one of the two sessions - 769-1414.