Free Fishing Day: A Family Affair

An old Chinese proverb states “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.  Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”  I would like to add to that by saying if you teach a child to fish you will find countless moments of entertainment and joy.  That is just what I witnessed at the Grace Fish Hatchery last Saturday.  

Most summer days you can drive down Fish Hatchery Road just south of Niter and not see another car on the road.  However there is one day every year when seeing other vehicles on the road is inevitable.  That day is the State of Idaho’s free fishing day.  The Grace Fish Hatchery has, for several years on free fishing day, allowed youth the opportunity to fish in its pond at the head of Whiskey Creek in Lago.  Here children ages fourteen and younger have the opportunity to fish with an almost 100% success rate for some of the largest trout in the county.  Each child is limited to two fish from the pond and have the chance to sign up for a raffle with the Fish and Game where they can win prizes that include their very own fishing rod.  

As cars began arriving at the hatchery the doors would bust open with excited children with parents in tow.  In most cases you would see fathers frantically trying to keep up with baiting hooks and teaching children to cast while most moms were content to watch with babies and phone cameras at the ready to capture the big moment.  As I observed the scene I noticed that perhaps some of the most excited were the numerous grandfathers in attendance.  These grandfathers had some of the biggest smiles as they had the opportunity to share with their small grandchildren one of their favorite activities.  As each child would catch a fish the pure elation on both of their faces was clearly seen.  It was usually followed by laughter by the grandfather as their grandchild would be more than a little hesitant to hold the fish for a picture.

Among some of these grandfathers were brothers Steve and Richard Smith who between their children and grandchildren I would venture to say walked away with dozens of fish from the pond that morning.  The Smith families have been taking part in free fishing day at the Grace Hatchery for years and now that most of their children are grown and married they are teaching the next generation how to fish and carry on a family tradition.  Between the two brothers they had children and grandchildren travel from as far away as Middleton Idaho and Lindon Utah to take part in the family affair.

The hatchery itself primarily raises rainbow trout.  Though rainbow trout are native to parts of Idaho due to their popularity among fishermen they had to be introduced to eastern Idaho.  Today the Fish and Game stock the rainbow trout in the rivers, streams, and lakes throughout eastern Idaho.  The trout are raised at the hatchery until they reach six to ten inches in length before being planted.  The trout raised at the hatchery are sterile to ensure the genetic purity of the wild species.  

Anglers over the age of fourteen were still able to take advantage of free fishing day but would have to try their hand at some more challenging sites.  Of course below the hatchery on Whiskey Creek is a popular spot as well as the Bear River that winds its way through the county.  There are also several reservoirs throughout the county that are popular with locals.

In the end, whether you are young or old, fishing is a fantastic way to spend a summer's day with your family or friends.