Children participate in a previous rendition of the Merwin Special Kids Day fishing event. Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Rods, reels, tackle and T-shirts will be provided for the young anglers to use and keep

OLYMPIA — After a two-year absence, a special fishing event for children with disabilities will return Sat., July 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Merwin Fish Hatchery, east of Woodland.

More than 100 young people and their families have participated in past years during the Merwin Special Kids Day, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Pacific Power.

Participants are asked to pre-register for this event by June 30 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/merwin-special-kids-day-registration-304212235987. For additional information, call (360) 225-4391.

Prior to the event, WDFW will plant the wheelchair-accessible hatchery waters with up to 3,000 catchable trout weighing up to four pounds. Volunteers will then serve as one-on-one fishing coaches, assisting youngsters throughout the day.

Rods, reels, tackle and T-shirts will be provided for the young fishers to use and keep. A free barbecue lunch will be served, followed by a casting contest and other activities.

This event is intended for children with disabilities only. Since 1999, the event has drawn participants from the Vancouver School for the Blind, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Emanuel Legacy, Kaiser Kids and Shriners hospitals, but all children with disabilities are invited to join in the fun.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.

Also read:

Mountain View High School is Sweepstakes Winner at 59th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival
After three full days of the return of the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 59th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced.
Columbia Play Project board chair seeking to fill the void with a children’s museum in Clark County
The Columbia Play Project was officially started in October of 2020 after a nine-month delay due to the pandemic. The long-term goal (and third phase) of the organization is to build a permanent, brick and mortar children’s museum in Clark County. Photo courtesy Leah Anaya
Woodland Public Schools address learning lost due to pandemic using new techniques and strategies to help struggling students
Schools nationwide face a crisis of students, particularly in younger grades, who read, write, and perform math well below their grade level and need help to catch up.
Clark County schools and law enforcement present Fentanyl Awareness Forum
Clark County schools and law enforcement present Fentanyl Awareness Forum. All members of the Clark County community are invited to attend.
8th annual North County Honor Bands feature many of Clark County’s best student musicians
About 150 student musicians will participate in the honor bands, representing seven high schools and 14 middle schools from Battle Ground, Camas, Hockinson, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, and Woodland.