Free trout fishing clinic set for January 11

(January 4, 2008) - Anglers looking to hone their skills for the City’s annual rainbow trout season are invited to attend a free trout fishing clinic Friday, January 11 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  The clinic will take place at the Putnam City High School Gymnasium, 5300 NW 50th Street.

Local fishing experts and educators from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department will be on hand to teach anglers the latest in trout fishing tips and techniques, as well as fish identification and sportsmanship.  Participants will also have the chance to try out a variety of hands-on activities, including casting, knot tying and trout cleaning.

A Q&A session at the end of the event will give anglers a chance to ask general fishing questions.

“This is a great event for the entire family,” said Bob Martin, Fisheries Biologist with the Oklahoma City’s Parks & Recreation Department.  “It’s our hope that participants will take with them a new or enhanced skill they can use not just during our annual trout season, but throughout their lives.”

No equipment is necessary to participate in the clinic, but pre-registration is required by calling (405) 755-4014.

The free clinic is hosted by the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as part of the City’s annual rainbow trout season.  Over 8,000 trout will be stocked during the two-month season, which runs through February 29 at Dolese Youth Park Pond.  Local company BancFirst sponsored the trout stocking this year.

For more information about the clinic, or the 2008 trout season, call the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014, or the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation at (405) 325-7288, or visit online at www.okc.gov/lakes, or www.wildlifedepartment.com.