Children 11 and younger fish for free at the 21st Annual Kids Fishing Day, Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Alto Lake, outside Ruidoso, NM. The event runs from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and is hosted by The Forest Service, New Mexico Game and Fish, Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department, Eastern New Mexico University, Trout Unlimited, Walmart and Mesilla Valley Fly Fishers.
After moving back to New Mexico from Washington, Lincoln National Forest Wildlife Biologist Larry Cordova noticed most of the fishermen were adults, unlike in Washington where he would see kids fishing on his way to work.
“I started this event because I wanted to expose our kids to the joys of fishing,” said Cordova. “Over the years the event has grown. We’ve added activities, prizes and presentations. This year we are able to have canoe rides, since the event is being held for the first time at Alto Lake. ”
Staff from the sponsoring agencies will give presentations on fishing-related topics. Stations around the lake will teach kids how to set a hook and cast their line before they head down to the lake to get started. Prizes will be given out for the most fish caught, the largest fish and the smallest fish. The first 200 kids will receive a visor and fun door prizes will be given out through the day.
Higher water temperatures at Alto Lake means these budding fishermen will be catching catfish instead of trout like in previous years.
“We want all the kids to catch at least one fish,” said Cordova. “Once they catch that first fish they’re hooked!”
For general information about the Lincoln National Forest, call 575-434-7200, Monday through Friday (closed on Federal holidays unless stated otherwise), Supervisor’s Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and District Offices are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest