Free Fishing Day
Free Fishing Day in Idaho is always the second Saturday in June, which this year is June 8th. During this annual event, no fishing license is required, which makes it a great opportunity for children and newcomers to fishing to dip their toes in. Idaho Fish and Game set up events at various popular fishing spots across the state with volunteers and loaner reels to help encourage and educate budding fishermen.
The Fishing Pond at Boise Cascade Park in Council used to host one of these events on Free Fishing Day, but hasn’t for the last seven years. When local resident Danna Barnhart inquired into it, she was told that since Covid there wasn’t the staff to host an event in Council anymore. She asked if there was something she could do to bring it back to the community. They told her she was welcome to host one, and so, despite having very little fishing experience herself, she decided to take it on.
When Danna went to look at the pond, she noticed the deck was very much in need of repair, so she contacted Parks and Recreation, who manages the park. She went to a couple of their meetings and mentioned that the deck was in poor condition and could be a safety hazard, so they made it a priority project for this spring and just completed repairing and replacing the damaged boards and replacing the rails. They also made some lower sections of rails so that young children and the handicapped could more easily cast over the rail!
Fish and Game have said that they will provide Danna with terminal tackle and rods, as well as fishing manuals for the event. One of their employees may be showing up, but they are not sure, so Danna is asking the community for volunteers to come to the event and help show children how to fish. She will be trying to recruit volunteers from the Lions Club, but anyone is welcome to volunteer. “I’m here to see if I can’t get some adults to come along and help with instructions,” said Danna.
The Free Fishing Day event in Council will start at 7-9.00 a.m. at the Boise Cascade Park Fishing Pond on Saturday, June 8th. Everyone is welcome! If you have one, you are encouraged to bring your own rod and reel, but there should be some extra supplies to borrow and learn on. If you would like to volunteer, donate supplies, or have any questions, please contact Danna Barnhart at (208) 253-0022. “We’ll see if we get two fishermen or twenty,” said Danna, “I do not want this to exist for the state and not be practiced in Council!”
