Written By Brian Lockhart

With the warmer weather approaching it's time to enjoy outdoor activities.

Fishing is a popular Ontario past-time, but there's more to it than just casting a line into a local waterway.

The Learn to Fish program is a free provincial program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario.

This is a two-hour program that combines a one-hour practical teaching session with one hour of supervised hands-on fishing.

The program will teach you how to rig, bait, and cast a fishing rod. You will learn to identify and catch local fish species and learn how to fish safely and sustainably.

The program provides information on how to get a fishing license and follow fishing regulations.

Everything you will need is provided during the program, including a fishing rod, reel, bait, lifejacket, and sunglasses. Experience instructors will focus on fish, fun, and safety.

A Learn to Fish Mobile is also available for family-friendly events.

The Fish Mobile unit travels to festivals and events across Ontario to introduce new anglers to recreational fishing.

You can find out if your event fits with the program requirements or goals by visiting online.

The Learn to Fish program is offered four to six times per week at host locations.

Locally, Earl Rowe Provincial Park in Alliston is a host location.

The Learn to Fish program schedule will become available on the province's website in June 2024.