Kids with special needs can hook big trout at Merwin fishing event

Children with disabilities will have a chance to reel in some big trout during a special fishing event July 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Merwin Fish Hatchery, east of Woodland.

More than 100 young people and their families are expected to turn out for the 18th annual Merwin Special Kids Day, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Pacific Power.

Sponsors ask that participants be pre-registered by June 30 by calling 1-800-899-4421.

Prior to the event, WDFW will plant the wheelchair-accessible hatchery waters with up to 3,000 trout ranging in size from one to four pounds each. Volunteers will then serve as one-on-one fishing coaches, assisting youngsters throughout the day.

Rods, reels, tackle and T-shirts will be provided for the young fishers to use and keep. A free barbecue lunch will be served, followed by a casting contest and other activities.

Instituted in 1999, the annual fishing event draws youngsters from the Vancouver School for the Blind, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Emanuel Legacy, Kaiser Kids and Shriners hospitals, but anyone will a special-needs child is invited to join in the fun.