Media Contact: Corey Hart, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, 802-505-5562; Rochelle Skinner, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, 802-522-0841

VT Fish & Wildlife Partners with VT State Parks to Offer Free Let’s Go Fishing Clinics

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Four state parks are working with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to offer free Let’s Go Fishing clinics throughout this summer. Silver Lake, Lake St. Catherine, Grand Isle, and Little River at Waterbury State Parks will be offering these free clinics.

The Let’s Go Fishing program is a network of trained volunteer instructors administered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department who educate Vermonters and visitors of all ages and abilities about angling. Instructors teach fishing skills and techniques, the importance of quality aquatic habitat, fishing ethics, and fishing regulations. Clinics are free after paid admission to the state park and all equipment is provided on site.

“Fishing is a fun group activity, and these guided weekly clinics make the learning process simple and enjoyable. We’ve had entire families come and learn together,” said Corey Hart, Education Specialist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

Vermont’s rural landscape and abundant waterways provide a variety of thriving fisheries, and fishing is an important part of the state’s culture and history. People looking to get into the sport can now learn to fish with expert guidance in some of Vermont’s most beautiful locations: state parks.

Let’s Go Fishing Clinics at state parks are being held as follows:

Silver Lake State Park: Barnard

Date: Every Saturday, last clinic Aug 31

Time: 7:00pm

Meeting location: Nature Center

St. Catherine State Park: Poultney

Date every Saturday, last clinic Aug 31

Time: 6:00 pm

Meeting Location: Nature Center

Grand Isle State Park: South Hero

Dates: 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24

Time: 9:30am-12:00pm

Meeting Location: Nature Center

Little River State park: Waterbury

Date: Mondays 7/8, 7/15 & 7/22

Time: 2:00pm

Meeting location: A-side beach parking lot

No registration is required, but participants can call the individual parks for more information. Those taking the clinic are not required to possess a state fishing license during the clinics, but they will have to pay for day use fee before entering the park. Clinics are on-going now through August.

These four parks are among the 20 state parks offering access to free loaner fishing tackle through the Reel Fun program. A complete list ofLet’s Go Fishing opportunities and participating Reel Fun parks is available at vtfishandwildlife.com. More info on park programs and events, can also be found at https://fpr.vermont.gov/calendar

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Susan Warner, Director of Public Affairs

[phone] 802-595-2470

[website] www.vtfishandwildlife.com

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Agency of Natural Resources

1 National Life Drive, Dewey 1

Montpelier VT 05620-3208

Respect. Protect. Enjoy.