Oasis hosting Kids Fishin' Clinic

Staff report

Youth looking for adventure in the great outdoors need look no further than Oasis State Park this weekend.

The park is hosting its 24th annual Kids Fishin’ Clinic on Saturday at the park’s pond.

The clinic begins at 9 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m. Parents must pre-register their children with Oasis before the clinic begins.

Park Manager Jim Whary said the event includes nine stations that will teach fly fishing, fish biology, ethics and conservation, and how to cast.

Whary said the clinic will also have fish cleaning demonstrations.

After all of the kids have completed the clinic, Portales Senior Center volunteers will be serving lunch for children and their parents, Whary said.

Children and their parents will be allowed to fish for the remainder of the day after the clinic has concluded.

The pond has been stocked with trout in preparation for the event.

Each child that completes the clinic will receive a door prize.

Whary said the clinic had 65 kids participate last year and hopes to have about 65 again Saturday.

“Holding this clinic is important because it might be the only trip to a state park some of these kids get this year,” Whary said.

Whary said the clinic is a time for kids to learn about the outdoors and acquire skills.

“This gives the family something to do together. It’s a chance for kids and the family to get out and enjoy nature,” Whary said.