MONTPELIER, Vt. – Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Many anglers remember their first fishing experience was with a parent or mentor who taught them the basics and gave them the opportunity to catch fish. That opportunity is now being replicated across Vermont through several programs that are specifically designed to teach beginners how to fish.

One of the most popular programs is "Let's Go Fishing" (LGF), a cooperative effort between Vermont Fish & Wildlife and Lake Champlain International where trained volunteers teach and encourage young people and their families how to fish. The volunteer instructors teach fishing skills, how to use different types of tackle, the importance of good aquatic habitat, fishing ethics and fishing regulations.

Free LGF clinics can be found throughout the state during any time of the year. For a complete list of LGF clinics, check out the LGF webpage at https://www.mychamplain.net/LGF_Clinics.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife also has a "Children's Fishing Program" which provides kids the opportunity for a fun and successful fishing experience at locally organized events. Organizers of these events often include charitable, community, or non-profit groups such as fire departments, fish and game clubs, Rotary and Lions clubs, town recreation committees, 4-H clubs, and scouts groups, among others. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department provides eight-to-ten-inch stocked trout for the program.

A complete list of the Children's Fishing events, which is updated periodically, is available at http://www.anr.state.vt.us/fwd/fish_kidsbrook.aspx.

Also, beginning this spring, Vermont Fish & Wildlife and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation are teaming up to enhance fishing opportunities and experiences at Vermont State Parks through the "Reel Fun" initiative. More information on this effort will be announced in the coming weeks.

If you'd like to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, or want to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

If you would like to find LGF clinics in your area or have questions about LGF, you can email letsgofishing@mychamplain.net or call Cathy at 802-879-3466.




Media Contact: Eric Palmer, 802-751-0107; Cathy Merrill, 802-879-3466