Get hooked: fly fishing for beginners at Blue Lake Regional Park

Tie the knot, or tie many, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18, as Metro hosts its all-ages fly fishing for beginners course.

After being closed for nine months, Blue Lake Regional Park’s reopening on Memorial Day Weekend this year brought a number of activities to enjoy, utilizing its vast lake at 21224 N.E. Blue Lake Road in Fairview.

This $6 workshop consists of introductory-level fly fishing instructions; fee waivers are available.

Participants will learn about freshwater insects and their role in water quality, fly selections, knot tying, the basics of setting up a fly-fishing rod, insights on how to cast, an understanding of trout ecology and behavior and ethical fish harvesting.

For those ready to dive into this course, advance registration is required. Registration is handled through USeDirect, a Metro service, where participants can click the blue button to enter the portal.

While fish might be fought for, it won’t be a fight for quality time with instructors as each class is limited to 10 people.

The only fauna at this event will be any wildlife seen, as pets are not allowed by Metro at most regional parks and natural area. Furry friends can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife.

By not bringing pets, people have a higher chance of seeing more wildlife.

Service animals are welcome, but be sure to bring cleanup materials.

For more information: tinyurl.com/4yzcxsca .