"Kids to Fish" In Full Swing

A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 6 program that allows children and their families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year.

Just in time for summer fishing, FWP staff is in the process of restocking the 46 different location sites across Montana's Hi-Line. The "Kids to Fish" program lets youngsters check out fishing rods and reels and basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and a tackle box is available to borrow.

D & G Sports & Western in Glasgow gives FWP substantial discounts that help keep the program sustainable. In addition, The Front Brewing in Great Falls, along with partner Nemont Beverage in Glasgow, were kind enough to donate money to the program.

FWP Region 6 intern Macy Dugan, a recent graduate of the U of M in Missoula, has been busy maintaining the gear and helping resupply the sites over the last month. "Just because someone doesn't have a fishing rod doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to go fishing," Dugan said. "Whether it's a cousin in town that wants to go along, or just an extra pole is needed for catfishing on the Milk River, we want as many kids as possible to be able to go out and fish."

"The many business owners and other folks who participate in the program deserve special thanks," adds Region 6 Information and Education Program Manager, Marc Kloker. "They're helping a lot of kids have fun on the water this summer."

The sturdy loaner rods come already rigged with bobbers, split-shot and hooks. Youngsters are required to sign out the equipment at the site and return it in good working order. Kloker reminds folks that these rods are to be brought back to the loaner location, even if damaged. "We really want these poles brought back to their location sites," says Kloker. "The next kid that comes along should also have a chance to fish."

If poles are continually lost or stolen, the program will need to make the necessary changes and location sites may be removed; which has happened at several outlets this year. In addition, some sites that haven't seen much use have had their poles removed and taken elsewhere with more opportunities.

More than 400 of these fishing rods are available to be checked out from the outlets by individuals, families, organizations, church groups and schools. If you have any questions about the program, or are interested in having poles available at other locations in your community, please contact Kloker at 406-228-3704.

Fishing rods and tackle are currently available to check out at these locations:

FORT PECK: Downstream (Kiwanis) Campground, Fort Peck Fish Hatchery, Lakeridge Motel & Tackle Shop, Fort Peck Marina, Fort Peck Interpretive Center, Rock Creek Marina; FRAZER: School; GLASGOW: FWP Region 6 headquarters, City-County Library, Cottonwood Inn, Ezzie's West End Conoco, Glasgow Recreation Department, Shady Rest RV Park; HINSDALE: Sweet Memories; NASHUA: B&B Foods, Bergie's; OPHEIM: Pro Co-Op; SACO: Pay-n-Save, Sleeping Buffalo Hotsprings.