Indiana Youth Trout Fishing at Wyland Lake a Success
Despite an early-morning snowstorm and temperatures around freezing, 11 youngsters accompanied by nine adults participated in the second annual Youth Trout Fishing Day on April 20 at Wyland Lake in Kosciusko County.
The special event, organized by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, was designed to encourage families to experience trout fishing.
The event was scheduled to coincide with the first of a series of Free Fishing Days offered by the DNR during which neither a fishing license nor a trout stamp is required.
About 400 rainbow trout were stocked the day before into Wyland Lake, a 6-acre natural lake in Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area. The trout were raised at the DNR Curtis Creek trout rearing station in LaGrange County.
Only anglers under age 18 or any adults who accompanied them were allowed to fish during the event. Most anglers were from the local area but a few came from as far away as Silver Lake and Wakarusa.
Anglers caught 25 trout up to 12 inches long. About half of the families fished from boats and half fished off a large pier.
“I’m pleased with the turnout,” said Steve Roth, manager of the Tri-County FWA. “In some cases, it provides an opportunity for an adult to take a kid fishing who otherwise might not go if they had to buy a license.”
Roth said he plans to continue the Youth Trout Fishing Day in 2014.
The next Free Fishing Day in Indiana is May 18. Various events throughout the state will be held to promote family fishing.
