The Panhandle Region "Take Me Fishing" trailer has geared up for another season of fishing, and the fun has already started.

Stocked with fishing tackle, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's five "Take Me Fishing" trailers travel to local fishing spots throughout the state to encourage people to try fishing. Wrapped with vibrant fish illustrations, the trailers are easy to recognize.

The Panhandle Region trailer has already been to four area lakes including Cocolalla, Fernan, Chase and the Post Falls Park Pond. Kids and adults have been attending the events, enjoying the spring weather...and catching fish! (The fishing at Cocolalla Lake was slow, but that is why they call it "fishing," not "catching.") Numerous additional events are coming up in the Idaho Panhandle through May and into June to get the fishing season off to a jump start.

People of any age, whether they are residents or non-residents, can fish without a license during the hours of the events if they sign in at the trailer. All other rules such as size limits and daily bag limits apply.

Fishing equipment and bait can be checked out for free during the scheduled events. Reservations are not needed and equipment is checked out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Idaho children 13 years old and under can always fish for free. These events give their parents, older siblings and friends the opportunity to try fishing without purchasing a license.

Getting kids excited about fishing will help build a new generation of anglers. The only thing kids and their parents need to do is show up!

IDFG distributed more than 3,000 "Take Me Fishing" bookmark schedules through Panhandle area schools.

For a complete list of trailer dates throughout the state, visit the IDFG website at fishandgame.idaho.gov.

To learn more about the "Take Me Fishing" trailer program, contact the IDFG Panhandle office at 769-1414.

Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator in Coeur d'Alene for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

• Panhandle Region 'Take Me Fishing' trailer remaining 2014 public events

Date Location Time

May 17 Fernan Lake 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

May 21 Rose Lake 3-6 p.m.

May 28 Perkins Lake 3-6 p.m.

May 31 Steamboat Pond 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 3 Dawson Lake 3-6 p.m.

June 5 Hayden Lake: Sportsman Park 3-6 p.m.

June 7 Hauser Lake 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 10 Smith Lake 3-6 p.m.

June 12 Jewel Lake 3-6 p.m.

June 14 Rathdrum City Park 9 a.m.-noon

June 17 Kelso Lake 3-6 p.m.

June 19 Fernan Lake 3-6 p.m.