Youth fishing opportunities in the Kalispell area recently got a boost when Hooked On Fishing students from Hedges and Peterson schools planted more than 2,000 rainbow trout in Dry Bridge Pond.
The pond is in the Kalispell City Park known as the Sledding Gully south of the Conrad Mansion. HOF students planted trout from Jocko River and Murray Springs state fish hatcheries and Creston National Fish Hatchery. The fish ranged from six inches to 14 inches with a few whoppers from eight to 14 pounds.
The Flathead has a number of Family Fishing Ponds. Shady Lane Pond, part of the Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access, has also been planted with rainbows and cutthroat. Family Fishing Ponds are open to all anglers but adults have to release their fish. Kids can keep one or more fish depending on the pond.
The popular Pine Grove Pond will open April 13 with a kids-only fishing derby in the morning with general fishing following for the rest of the year.
The Flathead Fishing Fair will be April 27. This popular event has a kids fishing derby in Snappys Pond as well as fun and educational fishing activities for all ages around Snappys Courtyard.
“(Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) wanted some kids fishing available over spring break,” says regional fisheries manager Jim Vashro. “Take advantage of the spring weather and take a kid fishing.”
For more information contact Jim Vashro at 751-4550 or FWP at 752-5501