Rain or shine, fishing was prime

The rain did not stop the fish from biting last Saturday when kids took their poles to Thompson Falls' State Park pond for the second annual Kid's Fishing Day. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) joined the Lolo National Forest Service in hosting the event.

Young fishing enthusiasts were given two hours to land the largest rainbow trout to win a new tackle box outfitted with tackle. In the youngest age group (5-9 years), Tilly Kreiner landed the largest fish measuring in at 12 inches. Behind her was Ethan Chambers with an 11.75-inch trout.

After the younger group finished, 10- to 14-year-old kids competed in landing the big one. After two hours, fishing buddies brought their best catches to the table to measure in. In the boys' group, Trevor Peterson and Landin Baird tied with the longest fish at 11.5 inches. Marley Neesvig took top honors in the girls' group and overall when she landed an 18.5-inch trout.

Fishing poles and nets were given away as door prizes to kids who participated in the event. Scott Palmer (Lolo National Forest), Jason Blakney (FWP) and Ryan Kreiner (FWP) collectively commented that the rainy weather influenced attendance, which was down from last year.

"We want to keep this thing going annually," Palmer said. "Last year was our pilot year and we had a really good turn out."

Blakney manned the grill as hot dogs were kept warm for hungry bellies. He said the only things needed to have a good Kid's Fishing Day are hot dogs, organic ketchup, buns, chips and good attitudes. All the essentials were there... it was an excellent day of fishing.

Special appreciation to the Cabinet Ridge Riders, Whitefish Credit Union, Blackfoot Telecommunications, Clark Fork Bass Club, Avista Utilities, Mangy Moose (Thompson Falls), S & S Sports, Big Bull Sports and Conoco Feed & Fuel was expressed for their sponsorship which provided fishing gear, bait, equipment and food for the event.