BURBANK, Wash. – Start looking for that fishing rod and tackle box you stowed away for the winter! Young anglers are invited to a free Earth Day celebration, featuring a kids’ fishing event on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Hood Park.
Fishing is just one of many activities planned for the Earth Day event, co-sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and several local community supporters. This “Earth Exploration Education Experience” will take place at the nature area ponds in Hood Park, located adjacent to the bridge on U.S. Highway 12 crossing the lower Snake River in Burbank, Wash.
Kids ages 14 and younger do not need a license to fish. Hundreds of rainbow trout, provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will be stocked in the ponds near the east side of Hood Park.
“This event is not only about kids fishing, it’s a chance to get folks outdoors to learn about the local habitat and wildlife, how to stay safe around the river, water sport safety, and getting people excited about outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Kye Carpenter, assistant natural resources manager at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
To get there from the Tri Cities, travel south on U.S. Highway 12, following signs toward Walla Walla. After crossing over the Vaughn Hubbard Bridge near Burbank, turn east onto State Highway 124 (the first intersection after the bridge) – the Hood Park entrance is immediately on the left. Follow event signs to parking areas and the ponds.
For more information about this event, call the Ice Harbor Natural Resources Office at (509) 547-2048.
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