In an effort to encourage the public to get out fishing, the Division of Wildlife Resources has identified some locations that are great for first time or new anglers. Not a surprise to locals, two of the three locations in the state are in the Ashley National Forest. Browne Lake is great for the summer because of the cooler higher elevation and the rainbow and brook trout will take any bait or lure. Anglers can fish from the shore with very little gear. Moon Lake has kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and tiger trout. The 2-mile long lake has a lot of hikes with the fishing. “A lot of this equipment is a one-time purchase,” shares DWR sportfish coordinator Randy Oplinger. “Once you have it, you can use it for many fishing trips to come. Fishing with a bobber and bait is relatively easy. Just cast the line out and then watch the bobber. Once it starts ‘bobbing’ up and down, quickly reel the line in and enjoy the thrill of catching your first fish!” It is not as expensive as people might think. The basics include, a medium-weight spinning rod/reel combo, bobbers, extra fishing line to connect your bobber to a hook, fishing hooks, snap swivels, bait, and lures like spinner baits and spoons, which will start at around $45.
