Time to take the family fishing

Looking for a fun family-friendly activity close to home? Try fishing.

June will be a busy month for Idaho Fish and Game as they will be releasing thousands of catchable-sized rainbow trout at fishing waters throughout the state. With Free Fishing Day around the corner, local ponds will be great places to take the family fishing.

“There’s plenty of great fishing action close to home,” says Doug Megargle, fisheries manager with Fish and Game in Jerome. “Several area waters are full of fish, so now’s a perfect time to get out and enjoy it.”

For specific information about trout stockings near you, visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/stocking/.

Anglers can also use the Fishing Planner on Idaho Fish and Game’s website to find that special fishing water. Available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingPlanner/, the useful feature provides one-stop shopping for searching places to go fishing, with maps of how to get there and what you’re likely to catch. You can also search for places to catch a specific species of fish, recent and historic stocking reports, fishing waters within a certain distance of selected cities, and what kind of facilities you’ll find when you get there.

Before heading out for a day of fishing, be sure to review the seasons and rules brochure for the water you have chosen for the day. Seasons and rules brochures are available free at license vendors, online, and at Fish and Game offices.