Angler Education Program Schedule

2009 Schedule of Festivals, Clinics and Courses

No fishing license is required at the listed fishing events! This schedule will be updated as events are confirmed throughout the year.

APRIL

April 19--Kids Casting Station, Earth Day, Springfield -- Celebrate Earth Day at the Springfield Science Museum and learn how to cast a line with Angler Education Instructors. For more information, contact the Springfield Science Museum at (413) 263-6800 x325.

MAY

May 3 -- Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival, Brookline--On the shores of Brookline Reservoir from 9:00am - 12:00pm, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Brookline Recreation Department. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

May 3 -- Spring Festival Fishing Challenge, Westborough--The Westborough Spring Festival is an annual event full of activities for young and old alike organized by civic organizations in Westborough. The Fishing Challenge which takes place from 10:00am - 2:00pm, will be held at the town reservoir at Minuteman Park on Upton Road. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will show beginners how cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along.. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Westborough Civic Club. More details about the Fishing Challenge.

May 9 -- Coes Pond Kids Fishing Derby, Worcester--On the shores of Coes Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 8:00 - 11:00am. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. This kid-friendly event is sponsored by the Worcester Fish & Game Association. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners of all ages! For more information, contact Mike Moss at (508) 865-4828.

May 16 -- Watson's Pond Kids Family Fishing Festival, Taunton--On the shores of Watson's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 10:00 - 2:00pm. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners of all ages in cooperation w/the Taunton Mayors Office & the Taunton Fish Wardens. For more information, contact Lynn at 508-821-1015 or Jim Lagacy (MassWildlife) @ (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

May 16 -- Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Marlborough--This event is open to disabled veterans only. On the shores of the Marlboro Fish & Game Associations' club pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Marlboro Fish and Game Association on their club grounds from 10:00 - 2:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist ! If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

May 16 -- Burlington Family Fishing Festival, Burlington. This event is open to Burlington residents only from 9:00 am- 1:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners of all ages! On the shores of Burlington Reservoir, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. For more information, contact the Burlington Recreation Department at (781) 270-1695.

May 17 -- Five Mile Pond Family Fishing Festival, Springfield-- MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners of all ages! On the shores of Five Mile Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. You will need to bring fishing equipment. Bait, bobbers and hooks will be available in limited quantities. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Pine Point Community Council and the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department at Five Mile Pond, 9:00 - 2:00pm - Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

May 27 -- Accessible Fishing Clinic, Gardner--Open to both novice and veteran anglers of all abilities and ages, this clinic will take place at Dunn Pond State Park, a handicapped accessible park. 9:00am - 12:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners in this enjoyable activity.On the shores of Dunn Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Universal Access Program. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

May 30 -- Great Falls Discovery Center Family Fishing Day, Turners Falls. This fun-filled family event includes the opportunity for visiting a fish ladder used by anadromous (migrating) fish, tying your own fly, fly-line and spin-casting practice as well as dropping a line in the Connecticut River at Barton Cove! Check in at the Great Falls Discovery Center. 10:00am - 2:00pm. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Contact Sarah Bevilacqua at (413) 863-3676.

May 30 -- Jordan Pond Fishing Clinic, Shrewsbury. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginners of all ages at this free event that runs from 9 am - 12 Noon. On the shores of Jordan Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. MassWildlife is partnering with the Shrewsbury Department of Parks and Recreation. The clinic is free, but pre-registration is required - Contact Gary Grindle at ggrindle@th.ci.shrewsbury.ma.us or call him at (508) 841-8339.

JUNE

June 6 & 7 -- STATEWIDE FREE FISHING WEEKEND! Take a friend or family member fishing for free--you won't need a fishing license to fish any waterbody statewide for these two days! It is indeed time well spent and your future purchase of a fishing license directly supports fishing, stocking, education and fish habitat management programs. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

June 6 --Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Hudson--This event is open to disabled veterans only. On the shores of the Riverside Rod & Gun Club pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Riverside Rod and Gun Club on their club grounds from 10:00 - 2:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

June 7--Family Fishing Program, Holden -- Sorry, but this event was cancelled.

June 7--17th Annual Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival, Woburn--On the shores of the Horn Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 9:00 - 1:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Woburn Elks. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

June 13 -- Family Fishing Day, Sudbury--Open to beginner (and veteran) anglers of all cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from ages at the US Fish & Wildlife Service Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on Weir Hill Rd from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be provided. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contact Sue Russo at (978) 443-4661 x34.

June 13 -- Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham--Open to beginner (and veteran) anglers of all cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from ages on the shores of Spot Pond in the Middlesex Fells Reservation from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be provided. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation at the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

JULY

July 18 -- Whitmans Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth--On the shores of the Whitman's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 10:00am - 3:00pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Whitman's Pond Association and Weymouth Youth and Family Services. Contact Marie Feely at (781) 340-6976 for more details.

July 25 -- Houghtons Pond Family Fishing Festival, Canton--On the shores of the Houghton's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 10:00am - 2:30 pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation w/the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, contact Blue Hills Reservation at (617) 698-1802.

SEPTEMBER

September 12 -- Harold Parker State Park Family Fishing Festival, Andover--On the shores of the Berry Pond at Harold Parker State Forest, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 9:00am - 1:00 pm. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation w/the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

September 27 -- 13th Annual Mass. Outdoor Expo, Sturbridge -- Bring family and friends to this outdoor skills extravaganza. Participate at at outdoor skill stations of all kinds, from shooting, archery, fishing, wildlife art, kayaking, rock climbing and more. See live birds of prey and other native New England wildlife. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginning anglers learn how to fish at one of the many club ponds.If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The "Big MOE" is sponsored by Facts About Wildlife & Nature Society (FAWNS) and will be taking place on the grounds of the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge. Check the FAWNS website for more details about this all-day event!

OCTOBER

October 3 -- Grandparents & Kids Family Fishing Day, Granby -- The Granby Senior Center is hosting this event on Dufresne Pond. MassWildlife Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist beginning anglers learn how to fish at one of the many club ponds.If you have fishing equipment, bring it along! A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.- Contact Gloria Viviar at (413) 467-3239.