FWP maintains fishing tackle check-out sites along Hi-Line

Andrew McKean

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Youth fishing rods available for short-term check-out Young anglers who don’t have their own rod can still go fishing if they visit one of several fishing-tackle check-out sites located along the Hi-Line.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains about a dozen sites in public venues where fishing rods can be checked out, used, and then returned in good condition. The rods are rigged with bobbers, split shot and hooks and are equipped to catch trout, panfish and catfish.

“All a kid needs is a worm or other bait and they’re ready to catch fish,” says FWP information officer Andrew McKean. “The idea is to provide basic fishing gear that’s pre-rigged and ready to fish. I recall from my own childhood the frustration of trying to fish with broken or worn-out gear; that can be a real deterrent to fishing success. We’re hoping kids have a good experience with our loaner equipment, get hooked on fishing and then go out and buy their own gear and become lifelong anglers.”

The tackle check-out program is similar to checking out a library book. Anglers can select their rod, sign it out, then return it in a reasonable amount of time in working condition.

Fishing rods are available for check-out at the following locations:

·         FWP offices in Glasgow and Havre

·         FWP’s new Fort Peck Hatchery

·         Corps of Engineers’ Downstream Campground (at the gate house in Kiwanis Park)

·         Glasgow City-County Library

·         Glasgow Chamber of Commerce

·         Glasgow’s Cottonwood Inn

·         Malta Public Library

·         Tin Cup Restaurant at Marian Hills Golf Course in Malta

·         Havre-Hill County Library

McKean noted that the only terminal tackle is that supplied with the rod and reel is basic bait-fishing gear. If anglers want to fish with spoons, spinners, crankbaits or other gear, they’ll need to provide it themselves.

FWP is interested in expanding the loaner program. If you know a site that is accessible, frequented by youth and would be willing to host a check-out rod rack, contact McKean at 228-3723 in Glasgow.