Learn to fish (or to fish better) at regional workshops

It’s not hard for Pittsburghers to find someone to teach them how to fish. Many state-run and nonprofit organizations schedule beginner fishing programs. Fly shops, fishing clubs, outfitters and chain sporting shops offer workshops for newcomers and veterans. Here are few.

• Venture Outdoors: July 4, catch-and-release Family Fishing Derby at North Park Lake. July 15, Bike Fishing on the Yough, Ohiopyle State Park. July 19, Yough River Smallmouth Bass, Ohiopyle State Park. July 19, Terrestrials for Trout, Ohiopyle State Park. Details www.ventureoutdoors.org, 412-255-0564.

• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: July 4, Fish for Free Day, no fishing license required on any state waterway; fishing regulations and private property laws apply. July 29, Family Catfish Festival, North Park Lake. Details www.fishandboat.com, 814-443-9841.

• Pennsylvania State Parks: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides loaner rods and tackle at select parks, and schedules fishing rodeos and other angling events. Find contacts at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

• Post-Gazette Family Fishing: Aug. 6-7, Regatta at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, Butler County. Rods, tackle and live bait are provided, no license required, hosted by outdoors editor John Hayes. Details www.lakearthurregatta.org.

• Penn Hills Public Library: Lends fishing rods and tackle boxes to library card holders for up to three weeks. 412-362-7729, 1037 Stotler Rd., Penn Hills.