by shannon mitchell

There’s something special about spring mornings—the warm air just outside your doorstep, robins chirping on your lawn, and the way everything seems to be waking up after winter. Which is why spring is the perfect season to introduce (or reintroduce) your grandchildren to the simple joy of fishing. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, a day by the water can become a memory they’ll carry for years.

 Idaho Falls resident Charlie Ostler has been a lifelong fisherman and enjoys getting his grandkids off their phones to spend time outside. He’ll often propose, “How about a picnic and fishing trip?” He also knows that spring fishing with kids isn’t about landing the biggest bass in the lake. It’s about laughter, quiet teaching moments, and spending time together.

Choose an easily accessible spot—like a quiet pond, a calm shoreline, or a dock where fish are known to gather in warmer months.

Luckily, we live in an area with great options just outside our doorstep. For family-friendly fishing, Becker Pond in Bonneville County is a small 1.4-acre pond stocked frequently with trout from April through October. The South Fork of the Snake River offers excellent fishing below the Palisades Dam, and Henry’s Fork near Ashton has slow, creek-style fishing at Harriman State Park. One of Charlie’s favorite spots remains Blacktail Reservoir, which has a low $5 entrance fee, open picnic areas, and is just a short drive from town.

Keep equipment simple with lightweight spinning rods or push-button reels, pre-tied hooks and bobbers, and live bait such as worms.

“While you can buy worms at any corner gas station, it’s also fun to have the kids help you find worms. Try searching a well-watered lawn at night with a bright flashlight,” Charlie suggested.

The less complicated the setup, the more time you’ll spend fishing—and the less time you’ll spend untangling lines. Charlie advises, “It’s a good idea for beginners to practice casting ahead of time, especially in a park before you head out fishing. Remember that not all classrooms have walls.”

Since spring weather can be unpredictable, choose a mild day with little wind. Fish tend to be more active when the water starts warming up, especially in the late morning and early evening. Dress in layers since mornings and afternoons can be chilly near the water. A hat, sunscreen, and a small towel are always good ideas.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your grandchildren is your patience. Show them how to bait a hook, cast gently, and watch the bobber. Let them try—even if it’s messy at first.

Use the time to teach small lessons, such as respect for wildlife, how to handle fish carefully and release them properly, and the importance of conservation and cleaning up after yourself. Kids remember how you made them feel far more than they remember the technical details.

Pack snacks, bring a small tackle box just for them, and let them keep a “fishing journal” where they draw the fish they catch or write about the day. You can celebrate the little victories of the first cast, first nibble, and first fish. Nothing beats their excitement when they reel in their first catch. But remember that even if you don’t catch anything, the day isn’t a failure. Some of the best fishing stories begin with, “The one that got away.”

Fishing offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world—unhurried time together. There are no screens, no schedules, just quiet conversation and shared anticipation. You might talk about school, friends, or memories from when their parent was their age. You might sit in comfortable silence, listening to the water lap against the shore. These moments matter.

End the day before they’re exhausted. A short, successful trip is better than a long, tiring one. Leave them excited about the next outing.

Spring fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about passing down traditions, stories, and a love for the outdoors. Years from now, they may not remember what kind of fish they caught—but they’ll remember standing beside you, rod in hand, waiting for that bobber to dip beneath the surface. And that’s the real catch.