Chick Clark Kids' Fishing Program - City of Longmont

Chick Clark Kids’ Fishing Program

A young boy holds a fish and a fishing pole at Izaac Walton Nature Area.

The Chick Clark Kids’ Fishing Program will return to the Izaak Walton Nature Area (18 S. Sunset St.) on Saturday, March 15. The program provides a special place for the youth of our community to catch fish and participate in fun outdoor activities during spring break. Youth 15 and younger who have registered for the event will receive a free rod and reel upon completion of three educational sessions. The educational sessions include:

 

  • Fish ID/Biology
  • Knot Tying
  • Casting Techniques

 

Find details in the news release: Chick Clark Kids’ Fishing Program Returns on Saturday, March 15

 

Registration is required and opens on Feb. 19. Please sign up for one section per child. Youth will move through the three sessions listed above during their single section. Fishing and the first set of sessions begin at 8 am.

 

Chick Clark Fishing Registration

Departments » Departments N-Z » Parks, Open Space and Trails » Fishing Information

History

Groups of people gathered on banks of lake fishing

The annual Chick Clark Kids’ Fishing Program began in 2003.

This event is hosted by the City of Longmont’s Parks & Natural Resources division and the nonprofit Kids’ Fishing, Inc., with assistance from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District, Trout Unlimited, Bennett’s Bait & Tackle Shop of Berthoud, Longmont Foundation and Longmont Breakfast Optimists. The event is funded through private donations by Longmont businesses and numerous anonymous citizen donations.

Izaak Walton Pond is managed year-round for youth fishing only, ages 15 and younger. Chick Clark Kids’ Fishing Program is sponsored by private citizens, local businesses, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the City of Longmont.

General Fishing Information

Man holding and showing fish to children

Izaak Walton Nature Area is home to a 15.7 acre pond, which is managed as a recreational fishery for the exclusive use of kids. Adults are encouraged to help kids fish, but must preserve this special spot for the youth.

Naturally reproducing fish contained in the pond include: Large-mouth Bass, Black Crappie, Black Bullheads, Blue-gills, Green Sunfish and Carp. The program stocks catchable rainbow trout in the spring and catchable channel catfish in the early summer.

Kids may use live bait and keep the fish they catch up to the state limit set for each species. The pond is open for fishing during the day only.

Izaak Walton Pond Fishing Program Rules

  • Only kids 15 years or younger are allowed to fish in the pond.
  • Kids 15 years and younger do not need a state fishing license and may take a full daily bag limit.
  • Anglers must comply with all applicable Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
  • All persons present in the park must comply with City of Longmont rules and regulations.
  • Live bait is allowed.
  • Minimum size and possession limits for species kept must comply with Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations.
  • Anglers are encouraged to consider others and only take those fish they will consume within the week.
  • Parents are encouraged to accompany and assist kids fishing, but should not actively engage in fishing.
  • All parents are responsible and must exercise caution and maintain the safe conduct of their kids while fishing.
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