GLASGOW, Mount. – More than 350 fishing rods were replenished and serviced by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) staff for “Kids to Fish,” a popular program that lets children, their friends, or family explore for free fishing rods and tackle.

Several locations across Montana’s Hi-Line have been stocked with rods, with some locations having a tackle box available to borrow/use available tackle.

“Although it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain, replace and move around all the loaner places, it’s worth it if it allows someone to fish who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity “, said Marc Kloker, FWP Region 6 Information and Education Program Manager.

Loaner rods come with bobbers, split-shot and hook and should be ready to go. The rig can be changed, but anglers want to target the desired species.

FWP asks people to keep in mind that rods are unlikely to be cleaned or sanitized after use, and that anglers are required to sign off equipment on site and return it in good working order, if possible. If the rod is damaged or has a broken line, anglers are still asked to bring it back to the lending location.

“We really want these poles brought back to their sites,” says Kloker. “The next child that arrives should also have the chance to fish.”

If posts are continually lost or stolen, the program will need to make necessary changes and location sites may be removed, FWP said.

Sites that don’t see much use have had poles removed and moved elsewhere with more opportunities.

If a group wishes to check more than 20 rods for an event, they can contact the Glasgow or Havre FWP offices.

Questions about the program or people who would like to have poles available at other locations in their community can contact Kloker at 406-228-3704.

Fishing rods and tackle are available at checkout at the following locations:

BAINVILLE

BIG SAND

BROCKTON

CHESTER

CHINOOK

CIRCLE

CULBERTSON

FLAXVILLE

FORT-PECK

• Downstream Campground (Kiwanis)
• Fort Peck Hatchery
• Lakeridge Motel and Fishing Tackle Store
• Fort Peck Marina
• Fort Peck Interpretive Center
• Rock Creek Marina

FRAZER

GLASGOW

• FWP Region 6 Headquarters
• City-County Library
• Cottonwood Inn
• Ezzie’s West End Conoco
• Glasgow Leisure Department
• Shady Rest RV Park

HARLEM

LE HAVRE SECTOR

• FWP office in Le Havre
• Sinclair of Stromberg
• Hill County Library
• Fresno Tavern (near Fresno Reservoir)

HINSDALE

LOMA

MALTA

• Phillips County Library
• Westside Conoco Convenience Store

MEDICINE LAKE

NASHUA

OPHEIM

PEERLESS

LOTS OF WOOD

• Sheridan County Library
• Plentywood Hardware

SACO

• Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs

SCOBEY

• CO-OP PRO
• Hometown Hardware Store

POINT OF THE WOLF

Locations and addresses can also be found on the Region 6 webpage at fwp.mt.gov