Several agencies will be hosting free fishing events for children and their families in the upcoming weeks.
The Mount St. Helens Ranger District Kids Fishing Derby will be held Sat., June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Merwin day use area in Ariel. Activities include a parade and storytelling inside a 40-foot long inflatable salmon, face painting, make-you-own volcano, aqua-aquarium, boater safety, and Gyotaku-Japanese fish print on T-shirts. More information is available at (360) 449-7800.
The Cowlitz Valley Ranger District Kids Fishing Derby also is scheduled Sat., June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Cowlitz Falls day use area on Lake Scanewa in Morton. Activities include fish printing, knot tying, a casting demonstration, passport question activity, a compost worm box, beading, and a visit from Smokey Bear. Call (360) 497-1100 for more information.
The Mount Adams Ranger District Kids Fishing Derby will be held Sat., June 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Guler-Mount Adams County Park in Trout Lake. Children are encouraged to bring a white T-shirt for Gyotaku-Japanese fish printing.
Other activities include a campfire, fish fry, games, and free hot dogs and soda. More information is available at (509) 395-3400.
These fishing events are hosted by Gifford Pinchot National Forest personnel and partner agencies. Free fishing is an opportunity for kids and their families to connect with the outdoors to better understand why nature matters and how it provides for our wellbeing and enjoyment, according to a news release from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock fishing areas before each event. Fishing rods will be loaned to children for the day, worms for bait will be provided, and volunteers will show children how to fish. Volunteers will even clean the fish.Pre-registration is not required.
“This is a fun filled event for families who want to get away for a day,” Adam Haspiel, acting forest fish biologist for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, said in the release. “Everything is free, including lunch, and there are plenty of activities for kids 13 and under.”
