Kids Fishin' Pond returns to State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - More than 6,000 kids learned to fish for free during last year's Indiana State Fair at the DNR's new 312,000-gallon Kids Fishin' Pond, presented by Veolia Water.

This year, after a few minor management adjustments and by following some insider tips, children may enjoy the experience even more, because they may catch more.

The same types of fish -- bluegills and channel catfish -- will be stocked, but the schedule has been adjusted to put fewer fish in the water at more frequent intervals.

"That should keep the bite up," said Amanda Wuestefeld, DNR aquatic education coordinator.

The first stocking date was Aug. 3. Others are Aug. 10 and 16.

Friendly volunteers will again teach kids, ages 5-16, how to be safe and successful. These adults will also bait the hook and release the fish. Kids must be accompanied by an adult to participate.

This catch-and-release fishing program is hosted from 9 a.m. to noon, and 4 to 7 p.m., daily, Aug. 8-19 (except the morning of Aug. 11, during the Wild Game Cookout.)

Registering up to an hour before each session is required. Veterans from last year should note that the site at which to sign in has changed. Registration is now located on the east side of  the Natural Resources Building, outside the doors of Mother Nature's Mercantile, near the paddlefish pond (sorry, no fishing there).

Oh yes, those tips. Just like natural fishin' holes, the Fishin' Pond is most crowded on weekends. If you go to the fair on a Saturday or Sunday and want to fish, head to the Fishin' Pond registration site as soon as you get in the fair gates. On those busy days, the early birds get to cast the worms. Others might get shut out.

Early birds also are likely to have better luck on weekdays, meaning that the crowds are thinner in the morning and grow heavier late in the day.

Wuestefeld said that second week seems to be the easiest time to catch fish, especially in the morning.
 

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources

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