Amicalola Falls State Park hosted its annual trout rodeo "To Tempt a Trout," on Saturday, June 7. Park Seasonal Naturalist Dave Little said more than 100 participants, aged 15 and under, showed up to take advantage of the park's free fishing day, many of them for the first time in their lives. "Out of 153 participants, this event enabled 73 kids to fish for the first time," said Little. Fishing wasn't the only event offered to children at the event. Following the trout rodeo, many children chose to stay and participate in a wide range of other activities including a creek wade, a fish-prints crafts workshop and a camping instructional by Boy Scout Troop 422 of Dawson County. "This morning we set up two tables and had dioramas of campsites," said Boy Scout Jack Orr, who along with fellow 422 scouts earned their "Leave No Trace" merit badge for instructing park visitors on how best to set up and clean up a campsite. The day's events were made possible through the help of several sponsors and volunteers including Bass Pro Shops, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, the Dahlonega Wal-Mart and Dawsonville Kroger. "These companies came through for us in a big way with donations and prizes. Also adding to the event was the Gold Rush Chapter of Trout Unlimited with fly-tying and fly-casting demonstrations," said Little. "The event was a great success thanks to these contributions and volunteers, we are deeply appreciative," he added. E-mail Adam C. Stapleton at adam@dawsonnews.com.
Amicalola Falls hosts fishing rodeo
Children enjoy a day of outdoor fun
