FWP kids to fish program offers free rod and tackle loans

Forty rod loaner sites, and 350 rods, can be found in northeast Montana.

GLASGOW – A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6 program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year.

In time for summer fishing, FWP staff has restocked and maintained more than 350 fishing rods in most of the 40 different location sites across Montana’s Hi-Line. The kids to fish program lets anglers check out fishing rods and reels already equipped with basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and some places have a tackle box available to borrow and use the available tackle.

“Although it takes quite a bit of time and effort to maintain, replace, and travel around to all the loaner locations, it’s worth it if it gets someone out fishing who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity,” said Marc Kloker, Region 6 comm-ed manager.

“Just because someone doesn’t have a fishing rod doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to go fishing,” adds education technician Isayara Valverde, who manages the program. “Whether it’s a cousin in town that wants to go along and needs a rod, or an extra pole is needed for catfishing on the Milk River or chasing walleye on Fort Peck, we want as many kids as possible to get out, fish, and enjoy themselves.”

FWP appreciates the businesses and other locations that display a rack of these fishing rods, and they are the reason the program has been so successful.

“The many business owners and organizations who participate in the program deserve special thanks,” said Valverde. “They’re helping a lot of kids have fun on the water this summer.”

The sturdy loaner rods come already rigged with a bobber, split-shot and hook and should be ready to go. Anglers can then change the rigging however they want to target their desired species.

Anglers are expected to sign out the equipment at the site and return it in good working order, if possible. Kloker reminds folks that these rods are to be brought back to the loaner location, even if damaged or with broken line. “We really want these poles brought back to their location sites,” says Kloker. “The next kid that comes along should also have a chance to fish.”

If poles are continually lost or stolen, the program will need to make the necessary changes and location sites may be removed. In addition, some sites that have not seen much use have had their poles removed and taken elsewhere with more opportunities.

These fishing rods are available to be checked out from the outlets by individuals, families, organizations, youth groups and schools. If anyone is looking to check out a large number of rods (more than 20) for a particular event, please contact either the Glasgow or Havre FWP offices.

How you can help

If you or someone you know has fishing rods and reels that are in good shape, FWP would accept these donations to contribute to this program. In addition, if you are interested in having poles available at other locations in your community and know locations that would accept them, please contact Valverde at 406-228-3704.

Fishing rods and tackle are currently available to check out at the following locations. Locations and addresses can also be found on the Region 6 webpage on fwp.mt.gov.

Rod loaner locations

Bainville

• Welcome Stop

Big Sandy

• The Grocery Store

Brockton

• B & S Quick Stop

Chester

• Liberty Quick Stop

Chinook

• Finley’s Food Farm

Circle

• Circle Country Market

Culbertson

• Val-Am
• Hometown Market

Flaxville

• PRO CO-OP

Fort Peck

• Downstream (Kiwanis) Campground
• Fort Peck Fish Hatchery
• Lakeridge Motel & Tackle Shop
• Fort Peck Marina
• Fort Peck Interpretive Center
• Rock Creek Marina

Frazer

• School

Glasgow

• FWP Region 6 headquarters
• Glasgow City-County Library
• Cottonwood Inn
• Ezzie’s West End Conoco
• Glasgow Recreation Department
• Shady Rest RV Park

Harlem

• EZ Mart store

Havre area

• FWP Havre Office
• Hill County Library
• Fresno Tavern (near Fresno Reservoir)

Hinsdale

• Ezzie’s Quick Stop

Loma

• Pa’s Loma Mart

Malta

• Phillips County Library
• Westside Conoco Convenience Store

Medicine Lake

• Lake Pit Stop store

Nashua

• B&B Foods

Opheim

• Pro Co-Op

Plentywood

• Sheridan County Library
• Plentywood Hardware

Saco

• Sleeping Buffalo Hot springs

Scobey

• PRO CO-OP
• Hometown Hardware

Wolf Point

• Agland (east)