Families around Cochrane can come out on June 18 to give fishing a try.

Alberta Conservation Association is teaming up with local businesses and organizations to let kids try angling, as well as educate them on conservation and responsibility.

Christine Rezansoff, Town of Cochrane Recreation Programmer says, it is the first time Cochrane has hosted the free family event.

"We are excited to have an opportunity to host the event, it is an Alberta Conservation initiative and they approached us this year to see if we would like to host it, and we are excited to have it come to Cochrane."

Rezansoff shares the event will be beneficial to families as a whole.

"It is just a great day to come out , enjoy the summer and get some experience learning about fishing. We are going to have lots of partners set up as well, so there is lots of other things going on other than fishing."

Children under 16 partaking in the event do not need to be licensed.

"We are going to have some officers from the Alberta Fish and Wildlife on hand to answer any questions you might have."

It will be catch and release for those 16 and up, but junior anglers are able to keep.

"We are allowing kids to catch one fish and take it home with them."

Rezansoff adds, Mitford Pond is well stocked in preparation of the event.

"Our Parks Department stocks the Mitford Ponds every year so they have put some extra fish in the there in anticipation of eh event. They are well stocked and we are ready to get those kids fishing."

Rezansoff says the Recreation Department receives quite a few calls regarding fishing in the area.

"Fishing is a popular sport and we have lots of enthusiasts that are interested in learning more about it and people interested in trying the sport for the first time."

Kids Can Catch can have up to 200 kids join them on June 18; while registration is not required, it is encouraged.

You can register for the program here.