22nd ANNUAL GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN TROUT & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Educational - T*CATCH CLINIC: On Saturday, May 07 the Natural Resources Management Department of Haywood Community College, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Town of Maggie Valley and Haywood Waterways Association are sponsoring a CATCH youth fishing clinic during the 22nd Annual Great Smoky Mountains Trout Festival. This year there will be two CATCH Clinics at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The morning clinic will be held from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The afternoon clinic will be held from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Both sessions require pre-registration.

The CATCH (Caring For Aquatics Through Conservation Habits) program is designed to teach young people “how”, “when”, and “where” to fish as well as to introduce lessons in aquatic ecology, water safety, fishing ethics, and respect for the outdoors. Many youngsters in our community have never had a chance to learn how to fish or to explore aquatic habitats. CATCH provides this environmental education opportunity.

The CATCH Clinic is open to youth between the ages of 6 and 15. Necessary equipment will be furnished. A parent or guardian must register and attend with the youth.