The Free Fishing Day event at Wilkins’ Pond on June 10, 2023 had a great turnout of 72 participants. The State of Idaho’s Free Fishing Day event helped motivate folks to get out and fish on a beautiful day.  The fishing was good and lots of both bass and rainbow trout were caught.
The event was sponsored by Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Cottonwood Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The 33^rd Annual Event brought out a wide variety of fisherman: 30 adults, 17 kids over 9 years old and 25 kids less than 8 years old. Everyone was happy to get out and soak up some sunshine.
A big thank you to Jeff and Carla Wilkins for allowing the event to be held at their pond.  Also thank you to Carla Bruegeman and Casey Bruegeman for access to the pond.
Thank you to the Grangeville Lions Club that contributed funding toward raffle prizes and helped feed the hungry fisherman with hot dogs and drinks.
Area merchants that contributed to the event included: Rae Brothers, Grangeville Ace Hardware Store, Cloninger’s Marketplace, Crema Café and the Grangeville Centennial Library.
Alane Fitzpatrick, Forest Service, helped to acquire spinning reels from the Future Angler Foundation for the event.