Recently, four classes from Hedges and Peterson schools hauled buckets brimming with rainbow trout from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks vehicles to the Dry Bridge Pond as part of the Hooked on Fishing program.
Around 2,700 fish from three hatcheries – Eureka, Jocko River and Creston – were planted in the pond and ranged from 8 inches to more than 12 pounds. Each year, the 3-acre pond is stocked in time for spring break fishing, providing a family friendly place for kids to wet a line, learn about fishing, fish biology and conservation.
Anglers ages 15 years and older are asked to voluntarily release all fish to allow younger anglers to keep up to one trout longer than 12-inches per day, or five smaller fish per day. Fishing licenses are required.
The Shady Lane Pond is scheduled to be stocked this week, according to FWP. The Shady Lane Pond is accessible through the Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access site and holds fish through the winter. The area also provides a fishing pier, a pavilion and 2.5 miles of trail on 120 acres of land.
Both ponds are located near neighborhoods, providing easy access for all ages and abilities to catch some fish while learning about our local ecosystems.
The recently acquired Pine Grove Pond Fishing Access Site near the Whitefish River is expected to open at the end of the month, with a grand opening event on April 30.
How to get there: To Dry Bridge Park – from downtown Kalispell, go south on U.S. Highway 93. Turn east on 11th Street East. The park is at the corner of 11th Street East and Woodland Avenue.