Reelin' in the years

New cane pole, $4.99 ... bucket of worms, $2 ... spending time fishing with children -- priceless.It may be one of the least expensive outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by anyone."First, it's cheap," said John Wadden, co-owner of Will Fish tackle shop in Auburn. "A pole and some worms and you're fishing."Anglers can easily spend serious money on lures and fancy rods and reels, but when it comes right down to it all the extras aren't necessary to enjoy fishing. Wadden said in the 10 years he's been in the tackle business he's seen a decline in youngsters showing an interest in fishing."Kids are into video games and the outdoors has less appeal," he said. "I grew up fishing with my dad. He made time for me."Wadden urges parents to make time to spend with their children and get outside.There are several small lakes and forebays in the Auburn area perfect for beginning anglers."Halsey Forebay is the place," Wadden said. "Trout are stocked there by Fish and Game and a canal feed the forebay."He said a lot of larger fish land in the forebay after traveling from the Sierra."We're talking three and four pounds," Wadden said.The forebay is stocked with trout, but anglers can also hook a German brown or two.The old angler quote, "a bad day fishing is better than a good day working," rang true for a few who spent a couple hours Thursday morning at Halsey Forebay off Christian Valley Road."I like to fish because it's peaceful and it's relaxing," said Kishi McKee of Lincoln who hooked a rainbow trout.Her husband Jim McKee said they come to the forebay every few weeks to fish."We come up when they plant the fish every few weeks," Jim McKee said. "Normally you catch them right after they stock, but not today."Ron Andrade of Auburn comes out to the forebay three or four times a year, but said he fishes all over Northern California."I like how relaxing it is to fish," he said. "Being retired I have lots of spare time."Fishing can be a family affair.Sam Weir, of Citrus Heights, who was also fishing at Halsey Forebay Thursday said he enjoys fishing with his sons. "I've been taking the boys fishing since they were little," he said. "Now that they're older it gives us time to catch up."Regardless of age or ability, a family activity outdoors with fresh air- is what fishing in nature is all about. The Journal's Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com.Total inland water resources in California4,172-lakes and reservoirs 29,664-miles of streams that support fish, including 17,958-miles of coldwater streams 3,337-miles of warm water streams 606-miles of tidal channels 7,763-miles of coastal streams with fish Places to fish around AuburnLake Clementine: Located off of Auburn-Foresthill Road, approximately two miles from Auburn.variety of fish, brown trout, large and small mouth bass, and catfish.Halsey Forebay: Dry Creek exit off of Interstate 80, right on Christian Valley Road.Stocked monthly with troutLake Arthur: Placer Hills Road exit off of Interstate 80, left on Lake Arthur Road. Mostly trout, some bass