Kids Outdoor Experience

The youth fishing event at Columbia Park Pond (also known as the Family Fishing Pond) occurred on Friday evening, the 20th of April for the special needs clientele. Per Gene Van Liew, there were 155 special needs folks on Friday evening. They were able to fish from 4:00 PM until dark. On April 21st there were approximately 850 kids that showed up. We had a sufficient number of volunteers for both days. It was estimated that there were between 6,000 and 7,000 trout released in the pond for the event. Rumor hath it that there were several hundred trout in the 5 to 6 pound range with a couple pushing the 10 to 12 pound range. Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and especially to Paul Hoffarth of WDFW for their involvement and generous donation of their time. We know that approximately 1,005 fishing rods are now in the hands of some newly minted fishermen and fisherwomen. There were 261 trout that were tagged for prizes. Out of the 3 261, 184 tagged trout were caught and prizes were awarded.