DEC announces free fishing clinics

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announces that several free fishing clinics will be held in Western New York throughout June. These family-friendly events will offer free instruction on basic fish identification, aquatic ecology, fishing equipment and techniques to anglers of all ages.

In addition, DEC has designated the last full weekend in June - June 25-26 - as a free fishing weekend, enabling all residents and visitors to fish New York state's waters without a freshwater fishing license. Although a fishing license is not required for the upcoming free clinics or free fishing weekend, DEC's other fishing rules and regulations will remain in effect.

 "The upcoming free fishing weekend and free fishing clinics provide a great opportunity for anglers of all ages to learn more about fishing while enjoying some of our area's great outdoor resources," Regional Director Abby Snyder said.

Upcoming free fishing clinics in the Western New York area include:

•USFWS Fish & Wildlife Festival and Youth Fishing Contest at Hyde Park Lake, Niagara Falls, Saturday, June 4. Fishing goes from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call Sandra Keppner 691-5456.

•The Tifft Nature Preserve Family Fishing Day Clinic, Tifft Nature Preserve - Buffalo, Saturday, June 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register call Michael Todd 851-7010.

•The DEC/Erie Federation Youth Fishing Clinic, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, Saturday, June 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register call East Aurora Boys and Girls Club 652-4180.

Pre-registration for free fishing clinics is preferred for events at Tifft Nature Preserve and Chestnut Ridge Park. Adult supervision is required for all participating children. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment, but fishing equipment will also be available to borrow at all but the June 4 event. A freshwater fishing license is not required for these events. For more information, contact Michael Todd of DEC's Fisheries Division at 851-7010.