Kids Fishing Day returns June 4
Plenty of free activities for the kiddos at R Park
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Kids up to 13 years old are invited to “get hooked on fishing” at the 31st Jackson Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, June 4. The event, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department with several partners and volunteers, will feature free activities and take place at Rendezvous Park (“R” Park) near Wilson from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
“We’re happy to have Kids Fishing Day back to its full program this year! After canceling 2020’s Kids Fishing Day due to COVID and offering a scaled down version in 2021, we are excited to offer learning activities, lunch, and fishing this year,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Jackson fish biologist Diana Miller.”
The pond at R Park is being stocked with hundreds of Snake River cutthroat trout and there will be an array of educational activities including:
- Fish anatomy
- Boating safety
- Aquatic insects
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Fish obstacle course
- Wetlands
“I continue to volunteer for this event because I really believe in providing quality outdoor opportunities for our youth,” says long-time Kids Fishing Day volunteer Joe Burke. “Plus, it’s pretty gratifying seeing all the kids having so much fun!”
Located at the intersection of Highway 22 and the Teton-Village Road (4270 River Springs Drive, Wilson), registration will begin at 10:30am. Enjoy a FREE hotdog lunch served by the Jackson Hole Lions Club at noon followed by fishing in the pond.
Kids who participate in the learning stations will be able to keep their fishing equipment at the end of the day due to a generous Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation grant. Activities will conclude at 2pm, but kids can fish on their own after the event. Participants are urged to use alternative forms of transportation to attend, such as START Bus or the community pathway system. Parking will also be available at the Stilson parking lot.
Saturday, June 4, is also Free Fishing Day across the state of Wyoming, when anyone may fish without a fishing license or Conservation Stamp. However, all limits and other fishing regulations still apply.
There are Kids Fishing Day events held across Wyoming in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week.
Adult volunteers are always needed to help out at the event and can serve as “fishing guides” for the kids. If you would like to volunteer or learn more, contact Wyoming Game and Fish Jackson Fish Biologist Diana Miller at the Jackson Game and Fish office at 307-733-2321.
“This truly is a group effort with many volunteers and generous sponsors who donate both time and money to make this event such a success each year. We couldn’t do it without them,” Miller added.
Star Valley too
An additional Kids Fishing Day event will also be offered in Afton at the Valley View Golf Course Pond behind the Mountain Inn. This event is hosted by the Bridger-Teton U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Star Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited from 9am to 1pm with a free hot dog lunch and an appearance by Smokey Bear. Kids will be able to keep their equipment at the end of the day due to a generous Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation grant.
New to fishing? No problem. Get up to speed quickly with these how-to videos on YouTube.
