(Kamiah, ID) – The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and several partner groups will be celebrating Free Fishing Day on Saturday June 8 at locations near Grangeville, Pierce, and Lowell. Idaho Free Fishing Day is an annual event held on the second Saturday in June to encourage all people—novice and expert alike—to celebrate the joy of fishing. All anglers, residents and nonresidents, can celebrate the day by fishing Idaho’s waters without a license. An adult must accompany young participants. Some locations have fishing gear that you can borrow, but you are encouraged to bring a fishing pole and your own tackle and prepare for a fun-filled day of fishing!
Near Grangeville, Free Fishing Day activities will be held at Wilkins’ Pond, located on Lake Road off of U.S. Highway 95 approximately 5.5 miles south of Grangeville. The Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce- Clearwater National Forests, Grangeville Lions Club, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Bureau of Land Management’s Cottonwood Field Office will be hosting this 34th annual Free Fishing Day event. Events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (PDT). There will be a casting contest, fish art activity, a raffle drawing for prizes, and awards for the biggest and smallest fish caught! The Grangeville Lions Club will provide hot dogs and drinks free for participants. For more information about the event at Wilkins’ Pond, please contact Jennie Fischer at (208) 983-4048.
At Deer Creek Reservoir, near Pierce, Free Fishing Day coincides with the annual Deer Creek Fishing Derby is Saturday, June 8, 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Deer Creek Reservoir. Deer Creek Reservoir is located about 11 miles north of Pierce on State Hwy 11. Look for the Fish & Game access sign near historic Townsite 4 (Washington Creek Rd). Turn east and go 1.5 miles, turning at the Deer Creek Reservoir access sign and continue 0.5 miles. This event is part of a larger fishing derby with cash prizes, but anyone can fish even if they do not want to enter the competition.
Near Lowell, anglers can enjoy Free Fishing Day at Fenn Pond, located across from Fenn Ranger Station on Forest Service Road #223. This pond boasts smooth trails, fishing piers, and a boardwalk, making it an ideal spot for children and those needing less rugged fishing access. The pond was recently stocked with rainbow trout and is ready for you to enjoy! Our staff will be there with extra fishing poles for the public! Contact the Fenn Visitor Center for more information: (208) 926-4258.
Please keep in mind that all other regular fishing rules and regulations–including creel limits, opening dates, and tackle restrictions–remain in effect on Free Fishing Day. Always contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to check fishing seasons and rules for the water where you plan to go fishing. For more information about other events throughout the summer visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game webpages: “Take Me Fishing” Trailers or Family Fishing Waters.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests thanks all their partner groups for their efforts to help make Free Fishing Day a success, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which stocks the ponds.