Free fishing clinics at Cache River center in July

CYPRESS - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will offer a series of free youth catch-and - release fishing clinics at Cache River State Natural Area, Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center.

The clinics will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays July 1, July 15 and July 29.

Instructors will present information on fish and other aquatic life; fishing rules and regulations; and basic instructions on baiting a hook, tying a knot, and casting, tactics for catching fish, and how to handle and return fish to the water.

Participants may bring their own equipment, or will be provided with rods, reels, bait, and tackle for 90 minutes of catch-and-release fishing. The clinics are targeted toward children 16 and younger, but anyone interested in learning basic fishing techniques can attend. Parents and other adults are not required to have a fishing license to assist during this program. Call the Wetlands Center at (618) 657-2064 for more information.

The waters of Cache River State Natural Area are open for fishing all year in areas where hunting and gathering is allowed. Dedicated Nature Preserves are closed to hunting, gathering, and fishing.