(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Tongass National Forest, partner agencies, groups, businesses, and local volunteers are sponsoring youth fishing events throughout Southeast Alaska. No experience is needed to participate in these events. It is a great way for children to learn how to fish or develop their fishing skills.

Event planners will provide a wealth of experience and knowledge to help the beginning angler get started. At many events, volunteers may teach youth how to clean fish. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all persons should bring proper footwear and clothing.

The Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District’s annual Kids Fishing Derby will take place at Ketchikan City Park (Park Avenue and Fair Street) on June 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Check in and registration is at 9 a.m. (pre-register at the Recreation Center, Forest Service District office [3031 Tongass Ave], or Ketchikan Public Library). Partners are Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery, and Ketchikan Parks and Recreation. The hatchery will stock 2,000 juvenile king salmon. Ages three to 15 may start fishing at 9:30. Half of a pond will be sectioned off for age groups under six years. Activities include fishing, lure making, casting challenge, angler ethics, fish printing (please bring your own washed T-shirt) and prize drawings for registered children. Bring your fishing pole with size 8–10 single hook (no lures).

The Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger District’s 21st Kids Fishing Day will take place at the Klawock River Hatchery on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Partners are the Prince of Wales Hatchery, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Price of Wales Healthcare Network (Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Peace Health, Public Health, and Community Connections), University of Alaska Southeast Fisheries Department, Civil Air Patrol, Craig Tribal Association, Prince of Wales Watershed Association, Craig Library, LAPC, Klawock Emergency Medical Service and Search and Rescue, as well as many island wide local businesses from our nine communities and four tribes that “spawnsor” the barbeque and the door prizes. Kids can fish for coho juveniles in holding tanks outside the hatchery. Anglers may fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout along Klawock Lake and River. Activities include casting contests, fish printing (bring a T-shirt), fly tying, fish ID, hatchery tours, obstacle courses, educational booths, fly fishing demonstrations, and casting instructions for all ages. All youth must register to participate. Shuttle service from the Klawock AC Store parking lot will be provided every 30 minutes.

The Juneau Ranger District’s annual Family Fishing Day will take place at at Twin Lakes in Juneau on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Partners are the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Juneau Rotary Club, and Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc. (DiPAC). King salmon will be stocked by DiPAC. Activities include fishing, boating, and fish printing. All ages are invited.

The Peterburg Ranger District’s Kake Kids Fishing Derby will take place at Kake City Dock on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Partners are the Gunnuk Creek Hatchery, the Organized Village of Kake, and the City of Kake. Activities include a half day fishing derby (salt and freshwater), casting contest, fish print T-shirts, and BBQ. Children 16-years old and under are invited.

The Sitka Ranger District’s annual Junior Trout Derby is located at Swan Lake in Sitka, AK on June 8 starting at 9 a.m. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Partners are the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the Sitka Rotary Club. Local businesses donate prizes for a variety of categories. Approximately 300 rainbow, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden were stocked on May 22, 2013. Activities include fishing, fish painting, games, and activities. Ages 2-12 are allowed to participate.

The Yakutat Ranger Districts Kids Fishing Day is located at the Yakutat Small Boat Harbor on June 15 starting at 11 a.m. Partners are the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), City and Borough of Yakutat, National Park Service, and various business. Activities include fishing, food, fly tying, casting competition, and fish print T-shirts. All ages are invited.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Contacts for Questions or For Information:

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District’s annual Kids Fishing Derby - call 907-225-2148

Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger District’s 21st Kids Fishing Day - Brandy Prefontaine, Interpretation and Education Fisheries Coordinator for the Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Districts at 907-826-3271 ext. 1622 or 907-209-4079 or call Dan Goodness, Hatchery Manager, at 907-775-2231.

Juneau Ranger District’s annual Family Fishing Day - Barbara Adams at 907-789-6252

Peterburg Ranger District’s Kake Kids Fishing Derby - Eric Johnson at 907-772-5969

Sitka Ranger District’s annual Junior Trout Derby - Benjamin Mann at 907-747-4322

Yakutat Ranger Districts Kids Fishing Day - Nathaniel Catterson, 907-784-3359x14

 

Source of News: 

USDA - Tongass National Forest
www. fs.fed.us

SitNews ©2013
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

Articles & photographs that appear in SitNews may be protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written permission from and payment of any required fees to the proper sources.