4/10/2007

Take a kid fishing event set for Whitewater State Park June 9

Take a kid fishing event set for Whitewater State Park June 9

You'd like to take your kids trout fishing but don't know where to begin? Well, help is on the way.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Trout Unlimited are sponsoring Take A Kid Trout Fishing Day at Whitewater State Park on Saturday, June 9. Kathy Beaulieu, DNR MinnAqua Specialist for southern Minnesota, said the event is "a great way to get started trout fishing with kids ages 5-15. Guides will take small groups throughout the park. The guides will focus on teaching you how to rig your rod, where to cast for trout and how to release the fish safely."

The program is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 9 with fishing to begin at 8:30 a.m.. Participants can bring their own spinning rod and reel or use one provided by the sponsors. Trout Unlimited of Winona will provide lunch at noon and there will be an electro-fishing demonstration at 1 p.m.. The event is free. There is an "Open House" at the park this day, so the entrance fee is waived. Because it is Take a Kid Fishing weekend, adults do not need a fishing license or trout stamp when fishing with youth. Participants will each receive a small starter tackle box and activity book from the DNR MinnAqua Program. Whitewater Valley Express of Elba provides bait.

To register, call Whitewater State Park at 507-932-3007, extension 0. Registration is limited.

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