Two free fishing clinics for ages 6 to 15 will be offered at the 21st Annual Great Smoky Mountain Trout Festival on Saturday, May 7, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

The clinics are sponsored by the Haywood Community College Natural Resources Management Department, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the Town of Maggie Valley and Haywood Waterways Association.

The morning clinic will be held from 9 a.m. until noon. An afternoon clinic will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The CATCH (Caring For Aquatics Through Conservation Habits) program is designed to teach young people “how,” “when” and “where” to fish as well as to introduce lessons in aquatic ecology, water safety, fishing ethics, and respect for the outdoors.

Equipment will be furnished. A parent or guardian must register and attend with the youth.

In addition to the CATCH Clinics, there will be live music, arts and crafts, demonstrations, children’s activities and more at the festival.

Pre-registration is required as space is limited. 828.926.0866, ext. 117 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.