Ketchum outfitters offer fishing options for kids

by TERRY SMITH

Summer is a great time for youngsters to learn how to fish, or for seasoned youthful anglers to perfect their skills.

Fishing can be as simple or as complicated as one chooses to make it, but it's difficult to learn on one's own.

Fortunately, help is at hand through three of Ketchum's fishing outfitters. Lost River Outfitters, Silver Creek Outfitters and Ketchum on the Fly offer camps or classes or other opportunities for youngsters to learn some angling skills.

l Lost River Outfitters offers "Kids Summer Fishing Camps" starting on June 18 and running through Aug. 31 for youngsters 7-12. Each camp is two days long, four hours per day at a cost of $170. Equipment is included.

Participants have the option of attending a two-day camp on either a Monday and a Wednesday or on a Tuesday and a Thursday. Instruction will be provided in casting, entomology, streamside etiquette and safety.

Registration is required at least one week in advance. To register, or for more details call 726-1706. Information is also available from info@lostriver

outfitters.com.

l Silver Creek Outfitters is offer fishing instruction for youngsters eight and up throughout the summer, any day of the week.

"I can do them on demand, I just need three kids minimum," said Dave Faltings.

The cost for six hours of instruction, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is $95. The fee includes transportation, flies and use of fly rods or reels.

In addition to fly fishing, Silver Creek Outfitters also offers instruction on spin reel techniques.

"We also do a kids, worms and bobbers class," said Faltings. "I just want to get the kids into it."

For the worms and bobbers class, Faltings said he'll accept students as young as five.

For more information or to sign up for a class, contact Faltings at 726-5282.

l Ketchum on the Fly isn't offering camps, but has a different approach to getting youngsters into it.

The company is offering group or family outing packages on Silver Creek. While adults fish Silver Creek, kids can fish nearby in a private stocked pond.

Costs are variable, depending upon the size of the group, the number of guides needed and whether or not a group needs fishing equipment.

John Huber said the company has plans to open a second store this summer in Picabo.

For more information, or to book an outing, call 726-7572.

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