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turnout for free fishing at Wilkins' Pond
Saturday, June 9 was the 30th Annual Free Fishing Day event at Wilkins’ Pond, located on Lake Road south of Grangeville. This year, 72 participants–including 42 kids–enjoyed a great morning of fishing on the Camas Prairie, just before the rains and wind rolled in. The event was sponsored by the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Cottonwood Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management, and the Grangeville Lions Club. The Grangeville Lions Club donated funds to purchase prizes from Rae Brothers Sporting Goods and Crema Café, as well as free hot dogs and drinks for all event participants! Big prizes were awarded to kids for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and the winners of the casting contests. Prizes were also awarded via random drawings, and lucky winners claimed fishing poles, fishing tackle, books, and gift certificates. The first fish of the day was a bass caught by McKenzie Holman. In the 8 and under age group, the smallest fish (5.5 inches) was caught by Owen Wolffing. The biggest fish of the day (13.75 inches) was caught by Gracen Branson, and Timo Maki was close behind, catching the second–largest fish (13.5 inches). Aaron Maniford won the casting contest. In the 9 to 12 age group, the smallest fish (10.5 inches) was caught by Ben Faries, and the biggest fish (14 inches) was caught by Rayden Nuxoll. Biggs Rambo caught the second–largest fish at 13.5 inches. Austin Rogers won the casting contest for this age group. Special thanks goes to Jeff and Carla Wilkins for allowing us to use their pond again this year. A big thanks go to the Grangeville Lions Club, Rae Brothers Sporting Goods, Asker’s Harvest Foods, Grangeville Centennial Library, and Crema Café for the funding and prizes for the event. Finally, a big thank you to the many folks that helped out to make the day a success–Ethan Bishop and Brett Forge, Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Craig Johnson, Bureau of Land Management; Heidi Holubetz, Jackie Uhling, Ben Uptmor, Dannae Stewart, Grant Gehring, Jonathan Duperroy, Kate Dedrick, Kevin Barger, Archie Tirado, Frances Derezes, Jennie Fischer, USDA Forest Service; and everyone’s favorite fire prevention icon, Smokey Bear! Thank you to everyone who came out to Free Fishing Day–see you next year!
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