The 4th Annual Patrick County Kids’ Trout Fishing Day was held on Saturday, April 13, at the Mayo River Rail Trail. Approximately 85 children lined up and down the banks of the Mayo River and enjoyed great trout fishing with their family and friends.
“The children enjoyed a great day in Patrick County catching trout along the banks of the Mayo River and just being outside enjoying the outdoors and spending time together with family and friends,” said Sandra Heath, who along with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Dale Owens, organized the event.
The volunteers and adults had a large time as well, Heath said, adding the overall winner was Isaac Boyer with the longest trout, at 24 3/4 inch weighing in at 7.1lbs. Other respective winners were Kaeleigh Woodham, Justin Montgomery, Emree Barnard and Mason Heiney.
Prizes were presented for the longest trout, shortest trout and the first one to bring the legal limit to registration, as well as a large number of other door prizes donated by Smith River Trout Unlimited, Falling Creek Hunting Club, Tin Pen Alley and several anonymous donations. Also, several door prizes were presented by Rocky Mabe and Michael Mabe in memory and honor of their friend David Hayes, who was an avid outdoorsman.
A special thanks to several partnerships involved in making this kids’ event a success, including
Heath with Patrick SWCD; Owens and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; Wayne and Betty Kirkpatrick, along with members of Smith River Trout Unlimited and the Dan River Basin Association; Sammy Hughes, Junior Hughes and Angela Spence and many other members of the Falling Creek Hunting Club; Rocky Mabe, Michael Mabe, Walter Scott; PCHS Fishing Team; Patrick County Maintenance; Patrick County Tourism and Town of Stuart.
This section of the Mayo River at the Mayo River Rail Trail is only stocked by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources once a year for the annual Patrick County Kid’s Trout Fishing Day.
