It seems that there is a “national” week of some sort almost every week of the year. June 1 to 8 is no exception. It’s National Fishing Week. Yes, a week devoted to fishing. It might sound odd to some, but to anglers, it’s a week-long celebration.

National Fishing Week is always held the first week of June and coincides with the state’s free fishing days. Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace both have special events planned.

A fishing workshop will be offered to all ages from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at North Terrace Park, 300 N. Westmore Ave., Villa Park. Bring your fishing rod and reel and learn how to maintain your reel, tie hooks and rigs, put on bobbers and learn what types of bait are the best to use.

The workshop is offered by the Villa Park Fishing Club and will prepare you for the annual Family Fishing Derby Saturday, June 6. This much-loved Villa Park tradition is an opportunity to “catch the big one” at North Terrace Lagoon while enjoying quality time with the family.

Included in the morning’s activities will be a casting contest to take place before the Fishing Derby and the opportunity to participate in an informative discussion with a Forest Preserve District ranger. The fishing derby is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the casting contest and discussion starting at 9 a.m. Bring your own tackle and bait. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Both the workshop and fishing derby are free. Pre-registration for the workshop and casting contest is encouraged. Call (630) 834-8970 to register or for any question.

The Villa Park Fishing Club has been around since 1985. Joe Kubica is president and is a long-time member.

“We’ve offered the fishing derby since the beginning. We’ve offered it for a long, long time — before my time, that’s for sure. It’s a very popular event. We usually get around 100 to 150 kids who come out each year. They really love it.

“The workshop is a good idea for those new to fishing. But if someone can’t attend, then we’ll offer informal instruction and check poles the morning of the derby.”

“We’ve got great prizes again this year. We’ll give prizes out for various categories, but basically everyone goes home with a prize,” Kubica said.

The Oakbrook Terrace Park District has two events planned. Get Hooked on Fishing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 7, at the Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road. The workshop will teach basic fishing techniques, fishing ethics, safety issues, and rules and regulations. You’ll receive instruction on baiting a hook, tying a knot, casting, and how to handle and return fish to the water.

As part of the program, participants are provided with rods, reels and bait for the catch-and-release fishing in the stocked lake. All ages are welcome but children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost is $15 per pair of residents and $20 for nonresidents. Call (630) 941-8747 to register by June 6.

The Park District, along with the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, will hold the 18th annual Summer Kickoff & Fishing Derby from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8. This free event fills up quickly, so be sure to preregister. The first 300 people doing so get a free cookout dinner sponsored by Anyway’s Restaurant.

You can call (630) 620-4500 to register by Sunday, June 1.