FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2005

IDNR ANNOUNCES ILLINOIS URBAN FISHING PROGRAM
Youth Learn Fun of Fishing from Experts

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Learning how to fish is fun, easy and free for youngsters and families throughout Illinois this summer, thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban Fishing Program. Free fishing clinics are planned at 41 locations to introduce young people to the experience of fishing.

“The clinics held each summer are a great way for children to get a feel for fishing by receiving some expert instruction and by giving fishing a try,” said IDNR Director Joel Brunsvold.

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

Fishing clinic 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, and how to handle and return a 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.

In addition to providing free fishing clinics, IDNR also provides loaner fishing gear to people of all ages. The Access to Fishing equipment loan program provides the opportunity to borrow rods, reels and tackle packs. A list of participating agencies and businesses, including local park and forest preserve districts, recreation departments, public libraries, bait shops and other sites offering the fishing gear to those who want to borrow it is available on the web site at www.ifishillinois.org or by phoning the IDNR Urban Fishing Program at 217/782-6424.

Fishing clinics can also be arranged for scouts, seniors, civic clubs and groups with special needs. All Urban Fishing Program clinics are presented on weekdays during the late spring and summer months at 41 locations throughout the state.

Interviews are available with IDNR fishing experts. Please contact Gayle Simpson, IDNR Communication Manager, to arrange an interview, at 217/558-1543, or 217/725-9083 or email Gayle_Simpson@cms.state.il.us.

The schedule of clinic dates, locations and contact information is listed below:

Central Illinois
June 6-August 6
Miller Park, Bloomington (phone 309/4340-2260 for reservations)
Crystal Lake Park, Urbana (June 13-August 5th only; phone 217-367-1544 for reservations
Fairview Park, Decatur (phone 217/422-5911 for reservations
Washington Park, Springfield (phone 217-753-0700 for reservations
Contact: Herb Dreier, 217/935-6860, ext. 238

Southern Illinois
June 13 - August 5
Mt. Vernon Veterans Park Lake, Mt. Vernon (June 13-July 8 only, call 618/242-6890)
Foundation Park Pond, Centralia (July 11-August 5th only, call 618-532-4311)
SIU Campus Lake, Carbondale (call 618-453-6088)
Jones Lake at Kenneth Hall Park, East St. Louis (call 618-874-3600)
Gordon Moore Park Lake, Alton (Call 618-462-1181)
(Contact Mark Yehling, 618/462-1181)

Northern Illinois
June 13 - August 12
Riverside Park, Moline (Contact Moline Park District, 309-736-5714)
Glen Oak Park Lagoon, Peoria (Contact Peoria Park District at 309/681-2865)
Levings Lake, Rockford (Contact 815/625-2968)
Big Pond, Boone County Conservation District, Belvidere (815-624-2968)
Mill Race Ponds, Belvidere (815-625-2968)
(Contact: Dan Sallee, 815/625-2968)

Chicago Area
June 27 - August 19
Chicago Park District lagoons
Columbus
Gompers
Humboldt/Douglas
Marquette
McKinley parks
(Contact: Brenda McKinney, 847/294-4137)
 

Illinois State Fair
Conservation World, August 12 – 21
Five Clinics Daily
(Contact: Herb Dreier, 217-782-6424)

Du Quoin State Fair Conservation Village Aquatic Area
August 27 - September 5
Daily Clinics
(Contact: Mark Yehling, 618/462-1181)


Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days,
September 24 - 25
IDNR Aquatic Area, John A. Logan College, 9 to 5 daily

Several additional clinic opportunities will again be available this year. Prospective participants should phone ahead for information on the following clinic locations and schedules:

Northwest Illinois Clinics at Summerset Lake
(Contact Joe Harper, at 815/2480-9099 or 815/864-2969)
Lake Carroll (815-493-2552)
Lost Nation Lake (Jerry Sellers, 815-652-3761)
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park (815-493-6909)
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Camp (LOMC) in Oregon (Tim Benedict at 815/732-2220)

Central Illinois
Charleston Park and Recreation Department (217/345-6897)
Human Resources Center, Park (217/465-4118)
Pittsfield Park District, Pittsfield (217/285-4484)
Quincy Parks Department, Quincy (217-223-7703)
Taylorville Park District, Taylorville (217-824-3110)
Watseka Park District, Watseka (815-432-3931)

Southern Illinois Clinics/Mark Yehling 618/462-1181)
Southern Illinois Clinics in Belleville
Granite City
Nokomis
Ozark
O’Fallon
Wood River
Shawnee Community College in Ullin

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