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Jefferson City, Mo. — Young anglers have a special opportunity to land their biggest fish of the summer at the annual Fall Kids Fishing Day Saturday, Aug. 18, at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

Sponsored annually by Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation, the event offers a day of fun, free food and fishing stories to tell all year long.

During the Kids Fishing Day, children age 15 and under will be able to pick up free trout tags at the hatchery office. Special gift bags are given out with each trout tag.

A section of the river will be reserved for youths and is restocked with trout on a regular basis. Volunteers are available to assist the kids who may want to learn fishing basics or those who want to learn more about fishing.

Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

Kids can learn about fishing and the outdoors at interpretive programs given throughout the day. These programs include such topics as fish cleaning, fish cooking, knot tying, fly tying and fishing techniques. Kids can also tour the fish hatcheries or attend a program on snakes with live specimens.

Prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Free hot dogs, chips and soda, courtesy of MO Parks Inc. will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the first 1,200 children.

Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112.

For more information on the event, call the park at 417-847-2539. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.