Youth Catch at FISH ON Ice Fishing Clinic

Washington County 4-H and Washington County Conservation hosted the 4-H FISH ON! Youth Ice Fishing Clinic at Marr Park January 25. After some cold temperatures all week, the sunshine and temperatures cooperated for 33 youth 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. “The last two years weather and ice conditions have not cooperated with this event so we loved that it worked out this year as an outdoor education activity for winter. It is a perfect partnership with the county conservation naturalist. We had 13 outstanding adult volunteers who made the morning successful for all fishers.”

About ¾ 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. A favorite of the morning was getting to fish with the sonar and camera equipment. Teaching was be led by local ice fisherman, Washington County Conservation naturalist, Megan Jorgensen. Thanks to generous 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.