Looking at our calendar we couldn’t help but notice a trend of free fishing events for kids — and people of all ages.
Fishing, it seems, is making a comeback. It is now offered in some high schools as a varsity sport; it is a featured sport on television. Competitive fishing aside, it’s a lifelong pursuit for many.
Since it’s Father’s Day week and traditionally dads like to fish, we thought we’d put together a guide to learn-to-fish events in Champaign-Urbana. There are many over the next several weeks:
Champaign Park District: Learn to Fish – Tuesday and Thursday, June 21, 26, 28, Kaufman Lake, 9 – 11 a.m. (Tuesdays), 1 – 3:30 p.m. (Thursdays)
Learn fishing safety, techniques, proper ethics, and aquatic ecology for FREE from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Adult supervision is required for children under 13. Registration (available online) for this program is required, but the program is free. Kaufman Lake is located at 2702 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign.
Free learn-to-fish clinics are available this summer for kids of all ages.
Urbana Park District: Crystal Lake in Urbana is one of several sites that will host free fishing clinics as part of the Illinois Urban Fishing Program (IUFP) from June 20 through Aug. 3. Clinics meet at 1 p.m. on Mondays, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. People of all ages can register for a time slot by calling the Phillips Recreation Center at (217) 367-1544.
Take Me Fishing at the Champaign County Forest Preserve: Did you know that fishing promotes healthy minds and bodies? Bring the family and friends out for some free fishing fun! First-timers and experienced anglers alike welcome. There will be kids’ activities, prizes, and more! Basic fishing instruction will be available. The Illinois fishing license requirement has been waived for this event. Cane poles are available to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own. Bait provided. Adult supervision of children is required. Free. For more information, (217) 896-2455 or shampson@ccfpd.org. Dates: Homer Lake, June 30, 9 a.m. – noon; Lake of the Woods (Mahomet), July 28, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where is your favorite place to fish in Central Illinois?
