Kids' Fishing Day May 16

Bonnie Robbins, of Washburn, is pictured above with a four-pound trout.

Young anglers will have opportunities to catch fish and learn about fishing at Roaring River State Park's Kids' Fishing Days. These events will be held on May 16 and August 15, 2009.

At Kids' Fishing Day, children age 15 and under will be able to pick up free trout tags at the hatchery office any time on the Friday before the event. With their free tags, youths will also receive stringers, fish posters, fishing activity coloring books and other educational material. A portion of the fishing area of the park will be reserved for youths age 15 and under. Volunteers will be on hand to help out. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.. Parents are welcome to help kids, but only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish by themselves. Free hotdogs, chips, and soda will be available 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Education is also part of Kids' Fishing Day. Throughout the day, seminars will be held on fish cleaning, fish cooking, knife sharpening, knot tying, fly tying and fly casting, jig tying, how to fish Roaring River, and other subjects. A hatchery tour will be held to show how trout are raised. A program on Missouri Snakes will be given using live specimens. Activities such as make your own Kids' Day tee shirt and critter stamp head bands will be available.

If kids attend two classes they will be awarded a prize and kids who attend a fly casting class will be entered into a drawing for one of several complete fly fishing outfits to be given away. Kids who attend an archery class will be entered into a drawing for a free Alpine bow. In addition trophies will be awarded to boys and girls with the biggest fish and the biggest stringer. Kids who catch a fish over three pounds will be entered in a drawing for a free taxidermy mount.

Staff from Cassville Wal-Mart will be on hand to take pictures of kids with their catch. A free 4"x6" photo of the child and their catch will be available free of charge on Sunday at the Cassville store or pictures can also be mailed later.

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. If you would like to help out with Kids Fishing Day, or for more information please call the Roaring River Hatchery at 417-847-2430.