New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 2, 2008:

SATURDAY IS FREE FISHING DAY; CLINICS FOR KIDS PLANNED STATEWIDE

Whether you’re an old hand at fishing or if you feel like testing the waters for the first time, June 7 is the perfect time to get out and make a cast or two at lakes and streams across New Mexico -- no license required. 

June 7, 2008, is National Fishing Day, and to celebrate, the New Mexico Game Commission is granting all anglers, residents and nonresidents a day of free fishing on public waters statewide. On this special day, no one needs a license or habitat stamp, although all other fishing rules apply.

As a bonus this year, the Department of Game and Fish and its partners will conduct free fishing clinics June 7 at waters across the state. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to participate. All you need is some basic fishing equipment and a desire to fish in New Mexico's great outdoors.  Most clinics will offer prizes for kids who register and attend educational stations.

At least 160 volunteers and more than 30 Department staff members will be at the clinics to provide fishing instruction and information about New Mexico’s fish and fish habitat. Young anglers will learn the basics: how to bait hooks, tie knots, catch fish and the correct way to release fish. They’ll also learn how to be responsible anglers and how to get the most out of the Department’s Fishing Rules and Information Booklet.

The kids fishing clinics will be at waters across the state in lakes and streams of varying sizes -- even in a portable swimming pool. Almost all of them will be generously stocked with catchable-sized trout or channel catfish before the events.

For more information about the clinics, contact Kevin Holladay at (505) 476-8095.

Here’s where to find the clinics:

• Glenwood: 8 a.m. to noon, Glenwood Fish Hatchery pond.
• Clovis: 8 a.m. to noon, Ned Houk Pond.
• Las Cruces: 8 a.m. to noon, Alumni Pond.
• Roswell: 8 a.m. to noon, Wal-Mart Super Center, catfish portable pool.
• Corona: 8 a.m. to noon, Corona City Pond.
• Aztec: 8 a.m. to noon, Aztec City Pond.
• Pecos Canyon: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cowles Pond.
• Questa: 8 a.m. to noon, Eagle Rock Lake.
• Albuquerque: 8 a.m. to noon, Tingley Beach.
• Grants: 8 a.m. to noon, Grants Riverwalk Pond.
• Santa Rosa: 8 a.m. to noon, Blue Hole Park Pond.
• Caballo Lake State Park: Fishing derby, 7 a.m. to noon. Educational activities start at 3 p.m.

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