Rise to the Future: A Day of Fishing and Fun

Sponsored by the Lions Club of Bonners Ferry, the annual Kids Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 13 from 10 am until noon at the Snow Creek Lions Club Pond.

According to Dave Noel, Lions Club President, this event originally started out as a fishing derby, then evolved to a father-son fishing day. The Lions then decided to change the focus to an open fishing day for all children accompanied by either parents or grandparents.

Dave said that representatives from Idaho Fish and Game will be on hand with fishing poles to help families who don't have equipment. He said that beginners are welcome, and if parents don't know how to fish, the Lions as well as the Idaho Fish and Game personnel will be happy to teach them. This event is best suited for children ages two to twelve.

"It's a way that parents can bring their kids, have some one-on-one time and an enjoyable day," stressed Dave. "We have a lot of lakes here in Boundary County, but this is close to town and it's almost 100 percent certain that each child will catch fish."

The Lions Club will be giving out goodie bags with free fishing supplies and Far North Outfitters will be donating tokens for merchandise that will be put in the goodie bags as well.

"Far North has really helped us out a lot," said Dave.

The Lions Club Pond is located on Lion's Den Road, which intersects with Deep Creek Loop. Dave said that the pond encompasses about an acre and that it has been stocked with 650 rainbow trout, which have been donated by the Kootenai Tribal Fish Hatchery.

"The average size of the fish is about 12 inches," said Dave. "But each year the Tribe will put in three or four eight or nine pound trout. Last year, a little girl caught a fish that was almost as big as she was."

Dave said that anglers can either catch and release their fish or take them home. He emphasized that this year they will conform to the state limit of six fish per child.

Free hot dogs and drinks will be provided for all the children. Parents can purchase a hot dog and a drink for $1, which helps the Lions Club defray costs.

"We would like to have all parents or grandparents bring their kids or grandkids out to a day of fishing and fun. It's all free for the kids."