Columbia Park Pond To Close For Kids' Fishing Day Events

Action: Closes Columbia Park Pond to all fishing except those youths registered for the “Special Needs Fishing Event” on Friday, May 6, or the “Kids' Fishing Day” event on Saturday, May 7. In addition, the daily limit is reduced to three trout during the events.

Effective dates: 12:01 a.m. May 4, to 3:00 p.m. May 7, 2016.

Species affected: All game fish.

Location: Columbia Park Pond located within Columbia Park in Kennewick.

Reasons for action: This rule change is necessary to ensure successful youth fishing events. Several thousand rainbow trout will be stocked up to three days prior to the events to ensure they will bite while the kids are fishing. During the two events, only those registered will be allowed to fish.

Other information: The kids' fishing events have been held at Columbia Park Pond for the past 15 years. The events this year will bring out more than 1,400 registered youths and anglers with special needs to introduce them to the fun of fishing.

The pond re-opens to the public on Saturday, May 7 at 3:01 p.m. Columbia Park Pond is open to fishing only by juvenile anglers (under 15 years old) and adults with a disability who have a designated harvester companion card.

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, WDFW District 4 Biologist (509-545-2284)

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ )for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.