Youth catch-and-release fishing clinics scheduled

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans to offer a series of free youth catch-and-release fishing clinics at the Cache River State Natural Area/Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center near Cypress.

The clinics are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the following Thursdays: June 13, June 20, July 11 and July 18.

The wetlands center is located at 8885 State Route 37 South.

Instructors at the clinics will present information about fish and other aquatic life; fishing rules and regulations; and basic instructions on baiting a hook, tying a knot and casting, tactics for catching fish, as well as how to handle and return fish to the water.  

Participants can bring their own equipment or will be provided with rods, reels, bait and tackle for 90 minutes of catch-and-release fishing.  

The clinics are targeted towards children 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques can attend.  

Parents and other adults are not required to have a fishing license to assist children during the programs.  

Those who want to attend are asked to register in advance by calling the wetlands center at 618-657-2064.