DALLESPORT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Klickitat Alternate Engagement Group (KAEG) Trout Unlimited with the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited hosted a Kids Fishing Day event on June 8. The event was beginner friendly and open to the public free of charge. Approximately 75 children and their families attended the event at Spearfish Lake. Fishing poles, bait and volunteer assistance were also available.
Evan Williams fished and wanted to help thank Goldendale bait shop owner and guide Mark Tracy for donating 6 dozen worms for bait.
Contributed photo
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff provided water safety activities and give-a-ways. Mark Tracy, manager of the Triple D Bait, Tackle, & Outdoor Supply, located in Goldendale, donated six dozen nightcrawlers for the event. “I’m happy to donate the bait because it’s so important to get kids out there fishing,” Tracy said.
“We provide all the necessary equipment for fishing, so no one needs to worry about showing up unprepared,” said David LaDouceur, Natural Resource Manager at USACE. “Bonus — if you aren’t a great fisherman, no worries because the volunteers from Trout Unlimited are there to help out.”
The WCTU-KAEG provided a beginner casting station where youth could cast a bobber into a hoop on the ground and practice their aim. Volunteers Gary Gidley, Tony Paolino, Don Wilhite and Laurie Wilhite also untangled fishing gear and provided lakeside casting assistance.
Felix Nares came with his dad Juan and caught the biggest fish of the day.
Contributed photo
Laurie Wilhite, KAEG co-chair, and other Trout Unlimited volunteers have been helping at Spearfish Lake for many years.
“This event is more than just about catching fish; it’s about instilling a love for outdoor activities and fostering a deeper connection with nature among the younger generation,” she said. “Parents and guardians were encouraged to join in and share a fun-filled morning by the lake with their children. With bait and tackle provided, all that was needed was a sense of adventure and a readiness to reel in some fish — and possibly some cherished memories were made along the way.”
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