DEC Announces Free Family Fishing Clinic at South Otselic

Family Fishing Fun for All Ages and Abilities on Saturday, May 19

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Trout Unlimited's Chenango Valley Chapter will conduct a Free Family Fishing Clinic on Saturday, May 19, from 9:00-11:30 a.m., and 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the South Otselic Fish Hatchery, located on County Route 26 in Chenango County during the 10th Annual South Otselic Fishing Heritage Day. No fishing license is required during the event. Spincasting rods and bait will be provided. Children under age 16 must be supervised.

South Otselic has a rich fishing heritage with the B.F. Gladding Company, which has been making fishing line since 1816. DEC's South Otselic Fish Hatchery, operating for 78 years, will conduct the clinic. The hatchery is located on County Route 26 in Chenango County. Two, 15-minute instructional sessions are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Both sessions will be followed by open fishing during the remainder of the clinic. Drawings for fishing tackle and equipment will be held for students participating in the fishing clinics.

For the open fishing portion of the event, there will be a stocked trout pond for kids. Adult fishing will be available in a stocked section of the Otselic River from the County Route 13 Bridge in South Otselic, downstream to the DEC parking area just below the hatchery. No fishing license is required to fish in this area during the event.

In addition, instructional stations will be held inside the hatchery by members of Trout Unlimited. These stations will consist of an aquatic insect identification and water quality program, fly tying, and fly casting. The stations will familiarize anglers of all ages and skill levels with fishing techniques, tackle, and aquatic insects.

There will also be tours of the South Otselic Fish Hatchery during the day along with numerous other community events. Parking for all activities is available at the hatchery across from the town park. Admission to all activities is free. More information on Fishing Heritage Day 2018 is available online.

DEC sponsors several free fishing clinics throughout the state where possession of a fishing license is not required. Details on Free Fishing Clinics are available on DEC's website.