The outstanding weather we have been experiencing the past couple of weeks makes it easy to understand why we have chosen to live in the great Pacific Northwest. Blue skies, warm sunny days and cool evenings beckon us into the outdoors in the spring. This is especially true if the great fishing opportunities we have are part of your motivation to live here.

National Fishing Week is scheduled for June 1-8. The event encourages Americans to fish, learn about natural resource stewardship and appreciate the dedicated work of the nation's resource management professionals and volunteers.

National Fishing Week is sponsored by federal and state agencies, the sport-fishing industry, private enterprises, civic and conservation organizations. It is one of the largest public-private partnerships in America.

According to the National Fishing Week Steering Committee, "The first full week in June is a great time for over 50 million American anglers to help young people and adults alike discover the joys of fishing; and, develop an appreciation for our streams, rivers, oceans and the wildlife that live in and around them."

This year, 49 states will offer "Free Fishing Day" or a "Free Fishing Weekend" to introduce citizens to angling and encourage former anglers to try the sport again (get with the program Alaska!). Although states establish their own criteria for free fishing days, most waive fishing license requirements and sponsor special activities at local events.

Of the 50 million Americans who fish, most began participation in the sport as youngsters. Those people who have chosen to make fishing a lifetime sport likely had pleasant first outings and a person who took the time to teach them how to be successful anglers.

To encourage a lifetime interest in fishing in your youngster, minimize the child's effort and maximize the rewards. Choose a place and time of year (now!) when you are certain to catch fish... any size fish. Catching fish makes them happy and they want to repeat the experiences that bring them joy and excitement.

Let them see, touch and hold the fish...then release those you do not choose to keep. Kids love to watch fish swim away almost as much as catching them.

Take a cooler full of drinks and snacks. If one of the kids loses interest, he/she will stop fishing and have a granola bar, a juice or a water. When someone catches a fish, the young angler will want to join back in. If the fishing slows to the extent they become bored, suggest heading for home. Kids will usually want to keep trying to catch more fish.

The three B's: Bobbers, bait and bluegills are a great combination for kids. Most of the area lakes have good numbers of bluegills, yellow perch, crappies and pumpkinseeds...all eager bait takers and great table fare.

For more information about where to try fishing in the Panhandle, call us at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game office in Coeur d'Alene at 769-1414 or check out our "Fish Planner" on our website, fishandgame.idaho.gov. We have a great guide to fishing waters and access points both online and in a hard copy form so you can take one in your vehicle when you don't have an Internet connection. Drop in and ask for one, or, call and we can mail one to you.

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