34th Kids Fishing Day Set For Saturday

The 34th Ogle Neas Kids Fishing Day will be held on Saturday at The Dillard Place in Upper Paint Creek.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult. The Dillard Place in Upper Paint Creek (turn left from Asheville Highway onto Viking Mountain Road, 15 miles from the city limits) will be swarming with little anglers looking to hook a trophy trout.

The ponds are stocked with 600-800 prize trout waiting to be taken home by the young fishermen. Everyone is welcome to fish after 1 p.m. at the conclusion of the Kids Fishing Day.

Security forces will be camping out Friday night and Saturday morning to prevent anyone from getting a jump on fishing.

Each year the Cherokee Chapter of Trout Unlimited – in cooperation with the US

Forest Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Erwin State and National Fish Hatchery, Greenville Emergency Services, and local sponsors – organize this free fishing event.

On average, more than 200 youth attend each year. Many are second generation attendees who fished the event when they were kids and are now taking their children.

All youngsters are to bring their own fishing equipment (single hooks only) but Trout Unlimited members will assist with anything from baiting, to lure selection to casting tips. Snagging and treble hooks are prohibited; single hooks are just safer.

The Forest Service will be bagging the trout on ice for the trip home.

John Price, the Top Dog Man, will provide hot dogs and sausages for purchase.

Cherokee Chapter, Trout Unlimited is looking for new members who would like to be involved with club activities like this and other projects. For more information, call 423-552-4311.