RICHMOND — Children age 15 and under can learn basic fishing skills from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 13, on Swan Island.
All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided at no charge, and volunteer instructors will be on hand to assist. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event, sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which manages Swan Island, is limited to the first 30 people to sign up.
Make reservations by calling 287-5252. The fee is $8 per person, with children under 15 free. Those participating must meet at the Swan Island dock promptly at 9 a.m., bring a lunch and beverage and dress for the weather.
Swan Island, known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife, is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town, Perkins Township. There are five standing homes that date back to the 1700s. The wildlife management area, about 1,755 acres, is in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. The island’s public visitation season generally runs from May 15 through Labor Day (with limited access through the fall). There are 10 shelters available for overnight use, picnic facilities for day use, modern bathroom facilities at the campground and drinking water.
Those wishing to visit must make reservations for the ferry and/or campground. The island is also accessible for day use by canoe or kayak without a reservation; admission fees may be deposited in iron rangers. Day use fees are free for children 5 and under, $8 for all others, for overnight camping add $20 per site per night.
For more information, go to www.maine.gov/swanisland or call 547-5322.
