Young anglers enjoy fishing the annual Graeagle Mill Pond derby
The annual Feather River Trout Unlimited Graeagle Mill Pond Junior fishing derby went swimmingly, with young anglers casting out lines and catching fish well before 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.
Excitement fills the crisp mountain air as people gather at the Feather River Trout Unlimited tent to receive fishing supplies and ask questions. Photos by Lauren WestmorelandFeather River Trout Unlimited (FRTU) sponsors the beloved annual tradition around this time each year to serve as not only a fishing derby, but also a memorable experience of adventure in the great outdoors for young children and their families.
This dad and daughter duo are looking to catch ‘100 fish’ in the words of young Sadie Buskey. From left, dad Chance and Sadie Buskey, age 8 of Portola stand together at the shoreline of the Graeagle Mill Pond preparing to cast their line.For several young attendees, it was their first fishing derby, but was sure not to be their last. Several young beginning anglers lined up at the beginning of the day and received free equipment such as rods, reels and tackle provided by the Trout Unlimited Graeagle Chapter.
It’s a fish! Four year old Charlotte Buford proudly shows 19-month old Jimma Jo the fish caught with mom Breanna during the derby on Saturday, May 20.The pond was stocked by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife with many thanks going to local fisheries expert Amber Mouser from FRTU.
Rae Neal fishes with dad Jason Neal in the crisp mountain air, surrounded by eager anglers looking to make a big catch.Founded in Michigan in 1959, Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization with 147,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds.
Bryson McDowell, 11, hopes to win the day with a big fish as he casts his line at the annual Graeagle Junior Fishing Derby.At the Feather River Chapter #905 of Trout Unlimited, the group devotes its time to community outreach, education related efforts and resource conservation projects that positively affect the citizens and resources of the Feather, Yuba, and Little Truckee Rivers.
Grandpa Mike Fruzen and young Jonathan Harvey Johnson, age 4, strike a pose for the camera as they fish along the shore of the mill pond, and Jonathan explains that he is using a “Thompson Bouyant.”
THANKS Lauren, love this post and the fact that you did way more than necessary. FRTU always appreciates your help !!!
A big ole shout out to all the local businesses that supported this season starter @ the Millpond!
Ca Fish and Wildlife
Mt. Hardware in Blairsden
Graeagle Land & Water
Plumas Bank
Graeagle Frostee
and
Gumbas Restaurant in Blairsden
good post