Kids and fishing seem to go hand in hand. Two frequently asked questions at the Nevada Department of Wildlife are: where do I take my child fishing, and how do you catch fish? Some of the best places to go fishing are one of seven urban ponds in the Reno/Sparks/Washoe Valley area. They include: Virginia Lake and Paradise Ponds in the Reno area, Sparks Marina in Sparks, Marilyn's Pond at Galena Creek Park and Wilson Common and Davis Creek Ponds in Washoe Valley.

These waters are stocked regularly throughout the spring and fall to provide people an opportunity to catch a couple of 9-inch rainbow trout. Rancho San Rafael Park Pond is usually stocked only once during the year; the week prior to free fishing day which is the second Saturday in June.

In addition to trout, NDOW also stocks channel catfish into Sparks Marina and Paradise Ponds every summer. More than 43,000 9-inch rainbow trout are stocked into these waters between March and September. Remember, the limit is only five fish of any size of which not more than two may be bass. Kids under 12 years of age fish for free, while those 12 to 15 need a junior fishing license and those over 16 need to have a regular fishing license. Both of these need a parent or legal guardian signature at the time of purchase. Anglers 12 years of age and older will also have to possess a trout stamp in addition to their license.

Virginia Lake is on Lakeside Drive; Paradise Pond is off Oddie Blvd.; Sparks Marina is east of the Western Village Casino; Rancho San Rafael Pond is located in Rancho San Rafael Park at the north end of Sierra Street close to the University of Nevada; Marilyn's Pond is at Galena Creek Park at the base of Mount Rose; Davis Creek Park Pond is in Davis Creek Park which is located off the road to Bower's Mansion and Wilson Common Pond is located off William Brent Street which turns east off of the Old Washoe Valley Road one mile south of Bower's Mansion.

The easiest way to learn to fish is through one of NDOW's free fishing clinics. If you can't make it to a clinic, you can always go by yourself. For an enjoyable outing you will need good equipment. Spend at least $25 for a good pole and reel. Even more important
than the pole and reel is good line. Buy the best line you can afford for the reel. For bait, NDOW angling instructors recommend
using Power Bait®, meal worms, eggs and worms.

Those who wish to attend fishing classes should plan on attending all day and should be in good physical condition. These clinics occur on special regulation waters; single, barb-less artificial lures and flies only. Clinics require pre-registration and are subject to change or cancellation depending on weather conditions. Register by calling the Department of Wildlife at (775) 688-1559 for Northern Nevada clinics, or visit www.ndow.org