The Kootenay Trout Hatchery is once again offering its popular Learn to Fish (L2F) Program and is encouraging aspiring anglers of all ages to make 2009 the year that they finally discover the joys of fishing.

“The Kootenays are home to some of the finest freshwater fishing in the North America, if not the world,” said Kootenay Trout Hatchery Visitor Coordinator, Leanne Jones. “Our Learn to Fish Program makes it easy so that just about anyone can master the basics and try their luck this summer.”

Tania, Cathy and Shealo, the Kootenay Trout Hatchery’s L2F coordinators, are primed and ready to offer age-specific instruction to groups or individuals who want to learn to fish. The program includes instruction in fish identification and biology, habitat and fish conservation, fishing ethics and fish handling techniques, tackle basics, knot tying, casting, retrieving and of course, how, when and where to fish. Participants will also learn local regulations and water safety as well and spend time fishing in the hatchery’s stocked trout pond. A tour of the hatchery is included.

The hatchery is located at 4522 Fenwick Road, Ft. Steele B.C., 32 kilometers southeast of Cranbrook on Highway 3 and six kilometers north on the Wardner/Ft. Steele Road. Visitors are asked to book ahead (the course costs $5.00 per participant), come prepared for the weather and to remember their sunscreen.

Individuals and groups interested in the L2F program can contact the Kootenay Trout Hatchery at 250-429-3214, or visit their website at: www.gofishbc.com.