Thrifty Thurston Baits a Lure to Fish in Thurston County

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By Douglas Scott

sunset airA white and red orb floats on a lake, bobbing up and down with every ripple from the breeze. Methodically, it rocks, unaware that it will soon be the cause of shock, excitement and a moment which will be remembered and cherished forever. Connected to a line leading back to shore, the float quickly sinks, and a yell goes up from land.

Underwater, a rainbow trout, bites onto a hook, marking the end of its journey, but living on for generations through stories. Above water, a child fishing for the first time is on their way to reel in their very first fish. It will be a moment forever remembered. The tale will be passed down to their children and grandchildren, reliving it with each telling. The memory of catching your first fish is an event you remember for your life, and is something that can happen right here in Thurston County.

lacey family fishing
The Lacey Family Fish-In is scheduled for April 18, 2015. Photo credit: City of Lacey

Each spring for the past 16 years, the City of Lacey has been hosting the Lacey Family Fish-in. Located at Woodland Creek Community Park, the event is responsible for teaching 600 kids a year how to fish. With fish remaining close to the shore, thanks to nets, children in attendance have a very good chance at catching a fish here. The event is ran and supported by local fishing groups like the Puget Sound Anglers, Capitol City Bass Club and Trout Unlimited.

This year, the event will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Woodland Creek Community Park. Costing just $5, and open to children ages 5-14, each participant will get a rod and reel to keep. The event requires preregistration and is expected to fill up. Call the Lacey Parks and Rec Department at 360-491-0857.

During the Family Fish-in, volunteers will be available to help both young anglers of all levels fish, and also clean the rainbow trout that they catch. The volunteers are members of the local fishing groups of the region, and make the event an incredible experience for all who attend.

“The true heroes of Lacey’s Family Fish-in are the volunteers. They are there rain or shine, happily sharing their passion,” Jenny Wilson, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Lacey explained. “Fishing is a great family activity.  At this event, with the help of the amazing volunteers, attendees will gain a lifelong enthusiasm for the sport.”

fishing thurston county
Help your child catch their first fish in Thurston County. Photo credit: City of Lacey

Jenny Wilson also went on to remind those interested that the pond at Woodland Creek Community Park is stocked year round, and any kid 14 and under can go fishing without a license, no matter the season. Also good to know is that Saint Martin’s University Alumni Association comes out every year to provide free hot cocoa and coffee.

Other Fishing Events

Over in Tumwater, Trout Unlimited brings those looking for a kids fishing event the Free Kids Fishing Day and Community Fun Fair! at Columbus Park. Sitting along Black Lake, this event give kids 14 and under a chance to fish for free in Columbus Park Pond on May 23. Stocked with 750 fish, there is a good likelihood your child’s first fish may be caught here. Like the Lacey Family Fish-in, this event requires that you register for time-slots in advance. The Free Kids Fishing Day and Community Fun Fair will also have kids activities and vendors selling food, making this a fun way to meet the community.

While Trouts Unlimited does have a number of poles available for kids to use, they encourage children who have fishing poles to bring them. The event is scheduled for Saturday May 23 between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To register for time slots, call (360)786-9460 or email columbuspark1926@gmail.com.

Elsewhere in Thurston County, fishing opportunities await at the regions lakes. Nearly a quarter of a million fish have been stocked in 16 regional lakes, according to a stocking schedule by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Based on the surface area of the lake and the amount of fish stocked this spring, your best chances to catch a fish will be in Deep Lake, Offutt Lake and Summit Lake, with the best being Offutt Lake near Tenino.

lacey fishing
There are many Thurston County lakes that are stocked with trout. Photo credit: City of Lacey

Make 2015 the year your child catches their first fish. Whether you choose to go the Lacey Family Fish-In, the event at Columbus Park or in any of the area lakes, this is the year to go fishing.

For more information on fishing experiences, explore the Puget Sound Angers website or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. Either place can provide information about events, fishing rules and regulations and answer any question you may have to get your child, or yourself out fishing.

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.

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