Tunnel Pond Opening Day and Free Fishing Saturday March 30, 2019
Orofino, Idaho- The Nez Perce Tribe’s annual Tunnel Pond Opening and Free Fishing Day will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event is for the general public and all are welcome. Each person will be allotted a catch limit of three fish.
Tunnel Pond is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout, with some larger fish weighing two pounds or more carrying over from year to year. In addition to providing a great opportunity for the whole family to kick-off the fishing season, there is a good chance to view wildlife. Tunnel Pond attracts deer, otter, and beaver as well as many bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and many varieties of waterfowl. Picnic tables are available, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoor experience amidst the beauty of the Tunnel Pond site.
Following the free fishing day event, the daily fishing limit is six trout per person. Non-tribal anglers, 14 years of age and older, may purchase permits to fish at Tunnel Pond from area vendors. Children under 14 years of age can fish for free, but they must be accompanied by an adult. A permit is not required for the supervising adult as long as they do not fish.
Public use hours of Tunnel Pond are 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. seven days per week, with the access gate closed before and after these hours. Tunnel Pond fishing season this year extends from March 30 through October 31. The Tunnel Pond site is closed to the public before and after these dates.
Tunnel Pond is located one mile southeast of Orofino off of Lower Fords Creek Road. To reach the site, follow the brown signs on Michigan Avenue to Main Street (turn right just past the Conoco station), continue across the railroad tracks and head uphill to Lower Fords Creek Road (stay right at road fork), to the gravel access road (where the gate is on the right).
For more information, please contact the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Trout Ponds Project Leader Tod Sween, (208) 621-3582.