On the morning of Saturday, June 12, a total of 2,000 nine inch rainbow trout and six large display fish were released in the creek below the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery for the 13th Annual “Kids’ Fishing Rodeo.”

Rainbow trout were also stocked into the adjacent Obey River, giving those people not taking part in the fishing rodeo the opportunity to share this important resource on Tennessee’s “Free Fishing Day.”

Held in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, the event was open to children aged 15 and under, and was co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the citizens of Clay County.

The rodeo presents a unique opportunity for families to spend quality time together and to connect children with nature.

This year’s event drew a large crowd, and besides fishing, participants kept expert face painter Teresa Nevans quite busy all morning.

The master of ceremonies was Willis Smith, and he was given relief help by Butch Burnette from the Clay County Rescue Squad.

Overall attendance was 260 children and approximately 280 adults.  People from as far away as Indiana and Ohio made the trip to Celina to get the chance to catch a rainbow trout.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of this annual event,” hatchery manager Andrew Currie said.  “Without this help, the rodeo would not have been such a tremendous success.

“We would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who donated prizes, tackle, bait, drinks, advertising, and effort to this year’s ‘Kids’ Fishing Rodeo.’”