The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is offering a learn-to-fish event at McGovern Pond in West Hartford on Monday, July 17, 2023.

By Ronni Newton

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protections (DEEP) Fisheries Division is holding a “First Catch” fishing event, on Monday, July 17, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at McGovern Pond at Spicebush Swamp in West Hartford.

The program is a Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) event, which has provided an introduction to fishing for beginners since 1986.

The DEEP website states that “CARE is a science-based package of environmental, ecological, and fishing information. The CARE program offers a variety of ‘Learn to Fish’ classes and events that are designed to increase fishing participation by showing how fun and easy fishing can be while also fostering an appreciation for the environment and our state’s natural resources. State certified CARE Instructors pass along information and expertise they’ve gained while fishing in local waters for many years.  Demonstrations and activities make learning fun for adults and kids alike.”

No experience is necessary to participate in Monday’s “First Catch” program, and rods and reels are available to borrow.

McGovern Pond is located at the 33-acre Spicebush Swamp Park at 173 Mountain Road. The roughly one-acre pond was substantially dredged in 2021, and is maintained by a flow of water from a branch of Trout Brook. It was first designated as a Trout Park by DEEP in 2020, and is stocked with trout each spring.

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