IDFG trailer to visit area lakes
With schools out for the summer, parents are looking for fun activities to keep their kids busy and get them outdoors. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has a program that may be just what you are looking for.
The Panhandle Region “Take Me Fishing” trailer is geared up for summer fun. Stocked with fishing tackle, Idaho Fish and Game has five “Take Me Fishing” trailers that travel to 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 program held three events each week in May while kids were in school, and now that school is out we are offering four events each week on area waters the last three weeks in June. Now is the time to go fishing with us, because when July arrives the Panhandle trailer is booked up with scout camps and will not be able to host events for the general public.
Kids and adults have been attending the events, enjoying the great weather…and catching fish!
People of any age, 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…but we have plenty!
Idaho children 13 years old and younger can fish without a license all year. 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 at an event!
IDFG distributed more than 6,000 “Take Me Fishing” bookmark schedules through Panhandle area schools. Parents, if you have not seen one, check the bottom of your student’s backpack. If you do not have a bookmark, Panhandle event dates are on the IDFG website, fishandgame.idaho.gov. You will see there is a complete list of trailer dates throughout the entire state on the website.
For any kids who read the paper, tell your parents “Take me fishing with the fishing trailer, it doesn’t cost anything!”
Upcoming events are listed below:
June 15: Lake Chatcolet (Heyburn State Park) 3 to 6 p.m.
June 17: Post Falls Park Pond: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 20: Jewel Lake: 3 to 6 p.m.
June 21: Cocolalla Lake: 3 to 6 p.m.
June 22: Fernan Lake: 3 to 6 p.m.
June 24: Rose Lake: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 27: Chase Lake: 3 to 6 p.m.
June 28: Freeman Lake: 3 to 6 p.m.
June 29: Lake Chatcolet (Heyburn State Park): 3 to 6 p.m.
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Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation specialist employed by Idaho Fish and Game in the Panhandle Region.