Kids Fishing Day draws more than 1,300 young anglers to Columbia Park

More than 1,300 children took part in the annual Kids Fishing Day hosted by the City of Kennewick Parks and Recreation Department at Columbia Park Pond.

The event, held in partnership with Kids Outdoor Education and the Richland Rod and Gun Club, gives young anglers a chance to learn how to fish in a structured and supportive setting.

Participants rotated through scheduled fishing sessions throughout the event. Friday featured two 2-hour sessions, while Saturday included seven 1-hour sessions running from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each child received a free fishing rod, reel, and T-shirt, provided by Kids Outdoor Education. Volunteers were also on hand to help clean fish so families could take their catch home.

The pond is stocked each year specifically for the event.

Larry Larson of Kennewick, one of the original organizers of Kids Fishing Day in the early 2000s, said more than 6,000 rainbow trout are brought in from hatcheries across Washington.

“We have trout in there for the kids that are good size, around 12 inches or so, and we also have some really big hybrid fish that we brought in that they can catch,” Larson said. “There are about 300 specially tagged trout in the pond. If kids catch one of those, they get a special prize.”

Chase Worton of the Kennewick Parks and Recreation Department said interest in the event continues to grow each year.

Families from across the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas came out to participate, many returning as an annual tradition.

Taylor Atkinson of Kennewick attended with his children, Harvey, 10, and Lucy. The family has participated for four years.

“I really like fighting the fish when I’m reeling it in,” Lucy said. “But the guts are slimy and kind of gross when we have to clean them.”

Both children caught their limit of three fish and planned to cook them at home with their grandfather.

For others, the event marked a first experience.

Dylan and Bisera Hamm of Pasco brought their 5-year-old son Calvin to try fishing for the first time. Calvin caught two trout before calling it a day.

“I think this is something we are going to keep coming back to,” Dylan Hamm said. “It’s a great way for kids to learn about fishing. I haven’t been myself in years, so it’s fun to get back out and fish again.”