The Westfield River Watershed Association (WRWA) and the Western Mass. Fly Fishermen will offer a free, Introduction to Fly Fishing clinic Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The clinic will take place on Route 20 in Huntington, Mass., in the turnout on the Westfield River, across from the Huntington Health Center. Children are welcome with the supervision of an adult at this family-friendly event.

People can drop in throughout the morning and watch a fly tying demonstration as well as practice casting. In addition to fly fishing activities, a biologist will be on hand to net insects from the river and help participants learn to identify them under microscopes. WRWA encourages people who own a fly rod and want to learn more about using it, to bring it to the clinic.

Brian Conz, WRWA president, says a tribute to the late Bill Rose, president of both the watershed and fly-fishing associations, by both groups is being planned for fall. It will honor him and one of his favorite spots on the river. Information can be found as it is available on the WRWA Website www.westfieldriver.org. There will be a portable toilet on site. The clinic will be held rain or shine, barring extremely stormy weather.

The Westfield River Watershed Association was established in 1953 to protect and improve the natural resources of the watershed, as well as to expand recreational and other land use opportunities for people’s enjoyment and for sound ecology. To learn more, visit www.westfieldriver.org.