Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Gene Moore, from the Lakeridge Motel and Tackle Shop in Fort Peck, is shown with FWP Region 6 staff Marc Kloker and summer intern Randy Hopkins. The Lakeridge is one location where poles and tackle are available.
A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6 program that allows children and their families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year.
Just in time for summer fishing, FWP staff is in the process of restocking the 49 (and counting) different location sites across Montana's Hi-Line. The "Kids to Fish" program lets youngsters check out fishing rods, reels and basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and a tackle box is available to borrow/use the available tackle.
Nationally known rod and reel manufacturers and tackle retailers, D&G Sports & Western in Glasgow, and Stromberg's Sinclair and the North 40 Outfitters store in Havre give FWP substantial discounts that help keep the program sustainable.
FWP Region 6 Information and Education intern Randy Hopkins, a senior at Montana State University in Bozeman, has been busy maintaining the gear and helping resupply the sites this month. "Just because someone doesn't have a fishing rod doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to go fishing," Randy said. "Whether it's a cousin in town that wants to go fishing, or just an extra pole is needed for catfishing on the Milk River, we want as many kids as possible to be able to go out and fish."
"The many business owners and other folks who participate in the program deserve special thanks," adds Marc Kloker, Region 6 Information and Education program manager. "They're helping a lot of kids have fun on the water this summer."
The sturdy loaner rods come already rigged with bobbers, split-shot and hooks. Youngsters are required to sign out the equipment at the site and return it in good working order within a reasonable amount of time. Please remember that these rods are to be BROUGHT BACK to the loaner location, even if damaged. If poles are continually lost or stolen, the program will need to make the necessary changes and location sites may be removed.
More than 400 fishing rods are available to be checked out from the outlets by individuals, families, organizations, church groups and schools. If you have any questions about the program, or are interested in having poles available at other locations in your community, please contact Kloker at 406-228-3704.
Fishing rods and tackle are currently available to check out at these local locations:
FORT PECK
Downstream (Kiwanis) Campground
Fort Peck Fish Hatchery
Lakeridge Motel & Tackle Shop
Fort Peck Marina
Fort Peck Interpretive Center
Rock Creek Marina
FRAZER
Frazer School
GLASGOW
FWP Region 6 headquarters
City-County Library
Cottonwood Inn
Ezzie's West End Conoco
Glasgow Recreation Dept.
Shady Rest RV Park
HINSDALE
Gouse Engraving & Gun Sales
MALTA
Phillips County Library
Westside Conoco Convenience Store
MEDICINE LAKE
Lake Pit Stop store
NASHUA
B&B Foods
Bergie's
OPHEIM
Pro Co-Op
PEERLESS
Dutch Henry's Club
PLENTYWOOD
Sheridan County Library
Ace Hardware
POPLAR
Tribal Express store
ROCKY BOY AGENCY
Chippewa-Cree Tribal TANF office
SCOBEY
Grain Growers Oil Company
True Value Hardware
WOLF POINT
Cenex West
Agland Co-op
Planned locations are in process at Nelson Reservoir and Saco.
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