Sunny skies, eager young anglers and plenty of fish combined to make this year's Kids Free Fishing Day a success at Rotary Park's Snow Creek Pond on June 13. 

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry, the annual event welcomed local families for a morning of fishing, friendly competition and outdoor fun. Children ages 12 and under cast their lines in hopes of landing one of the trout stocked in the pond through Idaho Fish and Game's annual Free Fishing Day program. 

According to Rotary Club President Sandy Johnstone, this year's event featured some of the largest fish ever stocked for the occasion. 

"What a perfect day we had for the Free Fishing Day for Kids at Snow Creek Pond at Rotary Park," Johnstone said. "The fish were jumping and the kids were casting." 

The event is designed to encourage families to spend time outdoors and introduce children to fishing in a welcoming environment. 

"The focus is to encourage families to spend more time in nature and hopefully become lifelong anglers," Johnstone said. 

Many young participants experienced the excitement of catching their first fish, while others competed for prizes awarded to the largest fish caught in each age division. 

Leading the way was 4-year-old Noah Carlson, who caught the largest fish of the day, measuring 16.5 inches. In addition to claiming the overall title, Carlson also won the 2-4 age division. 

Other age-group winners included Daphne, who won the 5-7 age division with a 15.25-inch fish; Waylon LaPorto, who topped the 8-10 age division with a 15.75-inch fish; and Declan Armesstand, who won the 11-12 age division with a 15.25-inch fish. 

Johnstone said the pond saw steady action throughout the morning, with numerous fish caught and plenty of smiles along the shoreline. 

"We certainly had a lot of families enjoying the day," she said. "There were many fish caught. Some were very first fishes. Fun was definitely had by all." 

Rotary Club members thanked Idaho Fish and Game for continuing to include Snow Creek Pond in the statewide Free Fishing Day program and helping make the annual community event possible.

    Local youth take part in free fishing day 2026  

    Local youth take part in free fishing day 2026  

    Local youth take part in free fishing day 2026