Few care that the first day of summer is determined by the earth’s tilt and its position relative to the sun; or that the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer when it is tilted most directly towards the sun, resulting in the longest days of the year. But in Powell, it’s the Kids’ Free Fishing Day that signals the start of the summer season celebration.

With a feisty trout on the end of the line, children can completely forget about book reports and math quizzes, ushering in the joy of summer vacation. And watching a child catch a fish shakes and jars memories from the hippocampus, releasing a flood of family joy passed down through generations.

And all of this can be free on June 7 as the Cowboy State celebrates anglers — moms and dads, grandparents and guardians willing to introduce fishing to a child, and the children themselves. An infectious smile from a child, maybe with a tooth or two missing, should be the logo for the jubilance of the annual event.

Kids’ fishing day events are held across Wyoming in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week. Saturday is also Free Fishing Day across the state of Wyoming. Anyone may fish without a fishing license or conservation stamp on free fishing day Saturday. All limits and other fishing regulations apply. 

In Powell, the fun begins early for anglers. The gates to the Homesteader Park fishing feature will swing open at 6 a.m. However, due to the popularity of the program, all of the 6 a.m. slots are already taken. There are many spots left starting at 7 a.m. as of last Friday, according to Powell Rec District Director Colby Stenerson.

This year the fun will highlight some true lunkers tagged for additional prizes for those who catch the fat trout. A paddle board is the top prize. A raffle run for each time slot features prizes of fishing poles and tackle.

“Thanks to our sponsors, Wyoming Outdoorsmen, who have been very generous over the last several years in helping us sponsor the program, we’ve got over 100 poles for giveaway,” Stenerson said.

This year’s event marks the 39th year the program has been held. Stenerson has been with the district for 33 years of the event and has long been a fan of the fishing fun.

“Fishing is a lifelong activity, and it’s a great activity for families to participate in together,” he said.

After the event, which ends at noon, the pond will be available to all who wish to fish. The entire day is free fishing day, but come Sunday anglers will need to have the required licenses from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Stenerson suggests fishing with a worm moving slowly on the bottom of the cement pond for the best results. There is a limit of four fish each angler can catch and the pond does not allow catch and release.

The facility will remain open from sunrise to sunset daily through the summer, often being used by the district for programs.

“We utilize that pond throughout the summer for some of our programs. We take groups of kids fishing, and then throughout the summer, you see kids riding their bikes over there all the time and setting up and fishing. And it’s not only kids, we see seniors and older people and families setting up over there. It’s a great asset for the city.”

In Cody, youths and their families are invited to the annual Cody Kids’ Fishing Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beck Lake Recreation Area in Cody. Kids 14 and under can register beginning at 8 a.m. at the entrance to the recreation area on 14th Street. 

The event is free and the entire family is encouraged to attend. Children and their families will have the opportunity to catch yellow perch, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Assistance will be available for beginner anglers.

That’s not all: The first 350 kids ages 14 and under who register will receive a free fishing pole and gift bag. A free hot dog lunch will be provided courtesy of the Cody Optimist Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Participants should bring their own poles if they have them; bait and some fishing poles and gear will be provided. As Wyoming’s weather can be unpredictable, everyone should dress warmly and be prepared for potential weather. 

Fishing derby prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m., and includes a grand prize of a stand-up paddle board. Also, lucky participants who catch a tagged fish will win a free lifetime conservation stamp. Participants must be present to win.

The event is hosted by Cody Optimist Club, East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Shoshone National Forest and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and sponsored by many businesses and organizations in the area.