Angling for fun: Free fishing clinic connects community members with outdoor opportunities
While some walked the trails or let their pets roam freely in the dog park, others explored the historic LeRaysville site or gathered for a pavilion party.
But over at a quieter part of the park, a group of anglers – both novice and experienced – enjoyed a free fishing clinic Sept. 27, hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Sienna Petrino, a USFWS biological science technician (fisheries), said the clinic was designed to help beginners learn safe, healthy fishing practices, while encouraging people to take advantage of local outdoor recreation.
“The fishing at Fort Drum is just incredible,” she said. “And I think a lot of people maybe might not know that, so we wanted this opportunity for people to learn more about recreational fishing.”
Petrino said that fishing can be intimidating to newcomers, which is why the clinic provided hands-on, step-by-step instruction.
“It can be a little scary at first when you’re just starting out,” she said. “But I really think having someone teach it to you, and kind of walk you through it and answer any questions, is a really helpful way to get into fishing.”
Participants could learn about choosing the right equipment, manage a catch, and how to safely remove a hook.
“You want to do what’s best for the fish as well,” she said. “If you are catch-and-release fishing, you don’t want to injure the fish, and that can be a challenge at first. So, we want to teach how to fish safely, both for you and the fish.”
Sara Bosma traveled 90 minutes from Chittenango to attend the clinic with her son Aidan. A military veteran, Bosma visits Fort Drum to shop at the Commissary and Exchange and attend special community events, but she had not realized fishing was permitted on post.
“I was looking all summer for something where Aidan could go fish,” she said. “When I found this online, I was like, “Oh, we’re going! I’d drive to New Hampshire if I had to. When it comes to my kids, I do anything for them.”
Bosma first tried fly-fishing in Montana this past June through a veteran support program.
“I’m still new to fishing, so it’s a matter of figuring all of this stuff out,” she said. “I look for things like this (clinic) where newbies can learn.”
After a slow start and a little help from a USFWS representative, Aidan landed his first brook trout from the boat launch. Nearby, Spc. Evan Merwin was having similar success. Outside of duty hours, Merwin said he spends a lot of time fishing.
“It’s a good hobby and it’s a good life skill to have,” Merwin said. “I grew up hunting and fishing, so this is something I just like to do every day.”
Petrino said there are other good fishing spots in the training ranges. Access requires a recreational pass, available online at [https://fortdrum.isportsman.net](https://fortdrum.isportsman.net). The site also provides seasonal fishing information, Fort Drum regulations, downloadable recreational maps, and fishing locations throughout the North Country.
Community members can also help the Fort Drum Environmental Division by filling out a fishing diary to track the number and species of fish caught on post. This is available at the Natural Resources Outreach Facility, open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, next to the Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division Museum.
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