May 16, 2016

IFW News -- Kids Fishing Event on Swan Island

AUGUSTA, Maine - On Saturday May 21 from 9am ? 1pm, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will be holding a ?learn to fish? event on Swan Island in Richmond. This event offers the opportunity for children 15 and under to learn basic angling skills. All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided at no charge, and volunteer instructors will be on hand to assist. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is limited to the first 30 people who sign up. Reservations can be made by calling 207-287-5252. Although the event is free, there is an $8 per person fee for anyone attending who is 15 or older. For this event only, children 15 and under are free. Meet at the Swan Island dock promptly at 9am! Bring a lunch and beverage and dress for the weather!

SWAN ISLAND GENERAL INFORMATION Swan Island, known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife, is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town called Perkins Township, and has long been recognized for its varied and interesting history. There are five standing homes that date back to the 1700s. The wildlife management area, about 1,755 acres in size, is located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. The Island's public visitation season generally runs from May 15th through Labor Day (with limited access through the fall). There are ten Adirondack type shelters available for overnight use; picnic facilities for day use; modern bathroom facilities at campground; and drinking water.

If you wish to visit the Swan Island Wildlife Management Area, you must make reservations for the ferry and/or campground. You may access the island, for day use, via personal canoe or kayak without a reservation; admission fees may be deposited in iron rangers. All visitor fees are as follows: day use, 5 years and under ? free; 6 years and older - $ 8.00. For overnight camping, 5 years and under ? free; 6 years and older - $8.00 plus $20 per site per night. Please visit our website at www.maine.gov/swanisland for more information and details about the island; or call 547-5322, and like us on Facebook!

Swan Island, the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area, is owned and maintained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Its operation and maintenance are supported by your fees as well as revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, and federal monies under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.