Youth fishing event scheduled June 7 at Merwin Reservoir

ARIEL, Wash. — A free fishing event for youth age 13 and younger will begin at 9 a.m. June 7 at Lake Merwin Day Use park.

Organized by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the event will feature fishing for trout in a netted-off section of the reservoir on the North Fork of the Lewis River.

Fishing rods will be available on loan along with worms for bait and volunteers to assist young anglers.

Advance registration is not required. Fish cleaning will be provided. The event continues until 1 p.m.

“Everything is free, including lunch,” said Adam Haspiel, acting forest fish biologist for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Other activities will include a parade, storytelling inside a 40-foot inflatable salmon, face painting, boater safety instruction and fish printing on T-shirts.

Call 360-449-7800 for more information.

A similar event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon June 14 at Guler-Mount Adams County Park in Trout Lake. Youth are encourage to bring a white T-shirt for fish printing.

The Trout Lake event will include a fish fry, games and free hot dogs and soda.

Call 509-395-3400 for additional information.