Free Clinics, Tours, Prize Giveaways Highlight Family Fishing Day at South Otselic Fish Hatchery

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Trout Unlimited Chenango Valley Chapter will conduct a free Family Fishing Clinic on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the South Otselic Fish Hatchery, located on County Route 26 in Chenango County.

South Otselic has a rich fishing heritage with the B.F. Gladding Company, which has been making fishing line since 1816, and the NYSDEC fish hatchery, which has been operating for 70 years.

There will be two hour-long instructional sessions, one in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and one in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Both sessions will be followed by open fishing during the remainder of the clinic. The instructional session will be presented by DEC staff and Trout Unlimited members and will consist of four 15-minute breakout stations with instruction in: 1) fly tying; 2) fly casting; 3) conservation and ethics; and 4) aquatic ecology. The clinics will familiarize school-age anglers with techniques, tackle and species of fish. No fishing license is required during the event. Children under age 16 must be supervised. In addition, there will be an aquatic insect identification/water quality program provided by the DEC's Rogers Environmental Education Center.

Drawings for fishing tackle and equipment will be held for those students who participate in the fishing clinics, as well as a drawing for a fishing rod and reel at the South Otselic Store for the purchasers of fishing bait.

There will also be tours of the South Otselic Fish Hatchery during the day along with numerous community events. Parking for all events is available at the hatchery across from the town park.

Admission to all activities is free, but pre-registration for the fishing clinic is required. For information or to preregister contact Carl Johnson's at (315) 653-7858 or Calvin Hite at (315) 653-7490.

Posted Sat May 09, 2009 4:47 am

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