FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 20, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, along with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, will conduct four fly-fishing clinics open to the public starting in January.

The clinics will be held at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center on Raeford Road and will begin with a one-hour overview on the sport of fly-fishing, followed by interactive classes and on-the-water instruction.

Three basic fly-fishing clinics are scheduled for Jan. 7, 21 and Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Basic clinics are ideal for participants who have very limited or no experience with fly-fishing. Instructors will discuss and demonstrate proper fly-fishing techniques, such as casting, rigging and knot tying.

An advanced fly-fishing class, scheduled for Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., targets anglers who have previous fly-fishing experience and will cover more complex techniques, such as advanced casting, fly-tying and equipment assembly.

To make these clinics possible, commission staff stocked two ponds with 1,000 catchable-sized brook, rainbow and brown trout on Dec. 15. The trout were raised at the agency’s Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery in Transylvania County.

In addition to stocking the ponds, the Wildlife Commission is providing loaner rods, reels and tackle to participants in all clinics.

Clinics are limited to the first 40 people, and pre-registration is required.

Clinics fill quickly, according to Kristopher Smith, center director, who expects the same rush to register this year.

“This program provides an incredible opportunity for people who live four to five hours away from the mountains where we traditionally find trout,” Smith said. “By bringing these fish to Fayetteville during the colder months, we hope to encourage others to learn how to become fly-anglers.”

Interested anglers should contact Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks and Recreation at Lake Rim, (910) 424-6134. A fee of $5 for each participant is due at the time of registration.

Starting Jan. 11, the Commission will conduct fly-fishing clinics for soldiers from Fort Bragg’s Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion from 1-5 p.m. These free clinics, which are open only to soldiers and their families, will be held on the second Wednesday of each month through March.

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