For the Upper Missouri River Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited, seeing Montana’s fisheries persist for future generations starts with putting rods in young hands.

The chapter held its annual Catch Fishing Fever day at Canyon Ferry last weekend, hosting more than 100 aspiring junior anglers and pairing them with experienced mentors for a day of casting, jigging and trolling.

“My generation grew up in the outdoors and watching the next generation so many kids aren’t taking those opportunities,” said Patti Buckingham with the chapter. “Also many kids don’t have the opportunities so they get that experience with Catch Fishing Fever.”

Buckingham was joined by fellow member Roxanne Tubbs and chapter president Jim Gillespie to talk about their passion for fishing, walleyes and the outdoors.

In the last seven years the chapter estimates it has hosted more than 1,500 kids in the program as well as annual days with children at Intermountain. Coordinating boat captains and special tackle boxes for the attendees takes a lot of work, but it’s something the chapter looks forward to, said Tubbs.

“We get a big fat smile and warm hearts,” she said. “We get a lot out of sharing and particularly the boat captains really absorb it.”