SOUTH OTSELIC – Fishing plays a large part in the history of South Otselic. From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Fish Hatchery, located in the town since 1932, to the Gladding Fishing Line Company, a part of the community since 1816, fishing has been an integral part of the community, and that fact will be celebrated on Saturday with the town’s first Fishing Heritage Day.

Given the town’s history, South Otselic resident Carl Johnson and one of the event organizers, came up with the idea to hold the event. “A fishing heritage event seemed like an appropriate beginning,” Johnson said. After discussing the event, it was decided that bringing attention to the history of South Otselic could have some benefits for the local and regional economy.

The Fishing Heritage Day will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and events will be held at the Fish Hatchery, the Town Park and throughout the town. The days events will include, living stream exhibits, fishing clinics for school age anglers provided by the DEC, fly tying and casting instruction by the Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, an aquatic insect program led by the Rogers Environmental Education Center and guided tours of the Fish Hatchery.