Roaring River Kids Fishing Day
Kids fish free two big days per year!
Kid's day is a special time at Roaring River. Hatchery, park staff, and the community all come together to make the day one that families will remember a long time. The first five holes will be reserved just for kids 15 years of age and younger on these special days. These holes will be stocked the night before and throughout the day of the event. Volunteers will be on hand to help the kids and some fishing equipment will be available. Kids should bring their own poles if possible. Parents are welcome to help their children fish but the child must participate in fishing and be involved in reeling in the fish.
There will plenty to do besides fish! There will be classes going on in thirty minute intervals from 9:30 am to 4:00 PM. Some classes last year were: Fish cleaning, aquatic entomology, fish cooking, knife sharpening, knot tying, fly tying, fly casting, and how to fish Roaring River. There will also be demonstrations and exhibits and hatchery tours will be given. This year a special emphasis will be placed on watershed protection and water quality education. Roaring River spring is a wonderful resource and can still be enjoyed only because the water is still fairly pure.
Our goal at Roaring River Hatchery is to introduce youngsters and their families to an appreciation and respect for the environment through the sport of fishing. Fishing can be an experience that is part of exploring and learning about the environment and as a result, kids appreciate it more. Another major benefit of taking kids fishing is that outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals. Fishing helps foster communication among families producing a special bond between parent and child. It also provides them with a fun enjoyable hobby that will last a lifetime. A recent survey on fishing found that if a person were not exposed to the sport by the time they were in their early teens, chances are they would never take up fishing. Many people learned to love fishing as a child and chances are there was probably one significant adult (father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle or neighbor) that taught you. If you have a love for the outdoors and would like to see that tradition passed to the next generation, this is a great opportunity! Volunteers are still needed in several areas. If you have a special outdoor skill and could teach a class with a conservation theme, we need you! Helpers are also needed to assist with lines, hooks and fishing skills.
Take a kid fishing because the future will be in their hands someday. And there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a youngster catch their first fish and knowing that just one moment can direct their life so profoundly. If you would like to help, contact us at the hatchery at 417-847-2430. Donations of fishing equipment and other items are much appreciated.
- Rainbow Trout Restocked all Day
- Prizes and Contests
- Pictures will be taken of kids and their catch
- Kids can attend Outdoor Conservation Classes to win prizes
- Exhibits and demonstrations
- Free soda and Hot-dogs
