Out & About: Mount Spokane road closure… Free fishing days….

OUTSHUT – Road construction is scheduled to close the Mount Spokane State Park Road to most visitors for much of the summer.

The road to the summit and the park campground opened Friday and will remain open until road work begins in the park in late June or early July, said Steven Christensen, park manager.

At that time, all roads beyond the park entrance will be closed seven days a week to motor vehicles with some exceptions into October, park officials say.

Limited vehicle access will be allowed for people involved with preapproved activities as well as condominium owners, their guests and campers with reservations at the Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout, Christensen said. Access will be allowed only in two-hour windows, he said.

But the general public will have to hike or bike in from entrance points at Day-Mount Spokane Road, Bear Creek Lodge and Mount Spokane Park Drive near the ranger station. The campground will be open to backpackers.

“The closure to the public is about managing volume through the construction,” said Virginia Painter, State Parks spokeswoman. “Park staff can accommodate a small number of people but not the flow of the general public.”

All the trails will be open for nonmotorized use. The park’s normal hours are 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

No license required

on ‘free’ fishing days

OUTCAST – States are offering a chance to go fishing without the expense of purchasing a fishing license during Free Fishing Days this month.

Idaho Free Fishing Day is Saturday.

Washington is offering two free days, Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12.

Montana is allowing two free fishing days on Father’s Day weekend, June 18-19.

Although fishing license requirements are suspended for these special days, all other state rules remain in effect, including bag and length limits and any special fishing regulations.

To help beginning anglers, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is sponsoring fishing events at selected waters.

Staff and volunteers will answer questions and help beginning anglers learn about fishing tackle, casting, fishing techniques and fish identification.

Idaho Panhandle events start Saturday with a 7-11 a.m. session in Coeur d’Alene at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course. The course has a 27-year tradition closing to golfers for those four hours so youngsters have a chance to catch their first fish.

North Idaho events planned from 9 a.m. to noon include:

Bonners Ferry, at Snow Creek Pond.

St. Maries, at Spicer Pond.

Enaville, at Steamboat Ponds.

Mullan, at Lucky Friday Pond.

Post Falls, at Post Falls Park Pond.

Priest Lake, at Priest Lake Golf Course.

Rathdrum, at Rathdrum City Park.

Sandpoint, at Round Lake State Park

Rainbow trout are being stocked in each location for the events.

“Limited equipment will be available for use,” said Phil Cooper, agency spokesman. “Anyone with tackle of their own is encouraged to bring it along.”