News Release Archive

New Melones Lake Thirteenth Annual Kid's Fishing Fun Fair and C.A.S.T. Event

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 10, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation is sponsoring a Kid's Fishing Fun Fair on Saturday, June 11, 2005, at New Melones Lake. This annual event is designed to introduce children 15 years and younger to the rewarding and fun sport of fishing. This event is held in conjunction with "National Fishing Week."

The event begins at 8 a.m. Volunteers and New Melones staff will provide the loan of a rod and reel, bait, tackle, advice, demonstrations, and help. Throughout the morning, in addition to fishing opportunities, children can visit a variety of booths and demonstrations designed to teach lake ecology, fishing techniques, water safety, and resource protection. A casting contest will also be held, and children will be able to take a complimentary boat ride. The morning event concludes with a complimentary barbeque lunch at 11:30 a.m provided and prepared by the Tuolumne County Sportsmen.

This year the event has been expanded to include the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill." This program is designed to provide children with special needs a quality outdoor experience through the sport of fishing. Each C.A.S.T. participant will receive a free rod and reel, C.A.S.T. T-shirt and hat, a tackle box, and tackle to take home.

The Kids Fishing Fun Fair will take place at the new group picnic area, Eagle Point, in the Tuttletown Recreation Area. Tuttletown Recreation Area is located 8 miles north of Sonora on Highway 49. Eagle Point Group Picnic Area is in the north parking lot at the Tuttletown boat launch ramp.

There is no fee for participation but pre-registration is required. Application forms are available at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center, New Melones Lake Administration Office, Glory Hole Sports, New Melones Lake Marina, Sonora Wal-Mart and Oakdale Kmart. Send completed applications to New Melones Lake Kids Fishing Fun Fair, Attention Pattie Guida, 6850 Studhorse Flat Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Applications must be received by June 3, 2005. If you are interested in being a volunteer, or for more information regarding this event, please call Park Ranger Pattie Guida or Park Ranger Mindy Morales at 209-536-9094.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.