Youth participate in FISH ON Ice Fishing Clinic

Washington County 4-H and Washington County Conservation hosted the first 4-H FISH ON! Youth Ice Fishing Clinic at Marr Park on Feb. 20. After two delays due to weather and extreme cold temperatures, 23 youth were finally able to gather, learn, and fish.

'4-H is always excited to offer a variety of experiences for youth,” said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H & Youth coordinator. 'After a long winter of many COVID limitations for our events, we knew an outdoor education activity was a good option and perfect partnership with the county conservation naturalist.”

Almost three-quarters of the youth ice fished for the very first time at this event. They were excited to learn the equipment and give it a try on the ice. Throughout the morning other learning topics included ice safety, fish species, licensure regulations, fishing technology and fishing careers. Teaching was be led by local ice fisherman, Washington County Conservation naturalist, Megan Jorgensen and Iowa DNR officers. Members of the Washington Fire Department also shared how their ice rescue equipment works and how to stay safe in an emergency situation. Thanks to sponsors, youth received their own ice fishing equipment to use and take home.

Contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 or amygreen@iastate.edu, with any questions about the FISH ON! Youth Ice Fishing Clinic or other ways for youth to be active in the outdoors this winter season. Follow 'Washington County 4-H - Iowa” on Facebook for 4-H events and other youth programs in Washington County.