Attention kids: 'Come Fish With Us' clinics start June 14

The Come Fish With Us fishing clinics will be held 9 to 11 a.m. on four dates this summer: June 14; June 21; July 12 and July 19, in the Cache River State Natural Area, Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 State Route 37 South, Cypress, Illinois

These are youth catch-and-release clinics, where instructors present information on fish and other aquatic life, rules and regulations for fishing, as well as basic instruction on baiting a hook, tying a knot, casting, important tactics on how to catch fish, and finally how to handle and return fish to the water.

As part of each clinic, participants are provided with rods, reels, bait and tackle for 90 minutes of catch-and-release fishing.

Participants must pre-register, by calling (618) 657-2064.

The free Urban Fishing Program clinics are targeted toward children ages 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques can attend.

Fishing equipment and bait are supplied by IDNR. Parents, adults are not required to have fishing license to assist during this program.

For more information on the urban fishing program, visit www.ifishillinois.org/programs/Urban_Fishing.html.