The U.S. Forest Service is hosting a free fishing fest for kids on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. In concurrence with Colorado Free Fishing Day, this free event is open to the public, and will be held on June 1 at the West Lake Day-use area, located off Red Feather Lakes Road (CR 74E).
In an effort to educate youth about the wonderful world of fishing, participants under the age of 15 will receive a free fishing pole and fun-filled fishing lessons by Forest Service fisheries biology staff, the Soaring Eagle Ecology Center and volunteers from Trout Unlimited.
Last year’s free fishing fest drew in over 100 participants, 30 volunteers and was eagerly noted by the kids as being “a really great time!”
Check-in time is from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and the event runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Space is limited. Participants must register online by May 28 at www.fs.usda.gov/arp and use the “Canyon Lakes Ranger District Kids Free Fishing Fest” link in the “Featured Events” box on the lower right-hand side. For questions or inquiries about the event, please email [email protected].
Make sure to bring water, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, fishing gear (for adults) and a cooler to keep your catch. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Directions: Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E), and drive approximately 22 miles. Turn right onto Dowdy Lake Road.