Fish for free on June 10

A free day of fishing and fun awaits June 10, as Utah hosts its annual Free Fishing Day.

You won't need a fishing license to fish in the state that day.

"Fishing is an activity that you can enjoy with your whole family, and it's an activity that can make your next outdoor adventure even more rewarding," says Roger Wilson, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "We offer Free Fishing Day every year to attract more people to an activity that we believe will enrich their life and provide them with a fun thing that they can do with their family and friends."

Before Free Fishing Day, DWR personnel will stock extra fish into waters across the state. Wilson says most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs, and those are the places where anglers may want to focus their efforts.

Wilson reminds those fishing on June 10 that while no license is required, all of the other regulations found in the 2006 Utah Fishing Proclamation will still be in effect. Anglers, especially those who might be fishing for the first time, are encouraged to pick up a copy of the proclamation and learn the rules.

Proclamations are available at the DWR's Web site (wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations); from fishing license agents statewide; and at Division of Wildlife Resources offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Springville, Vernal, Price and Cedar City.

Several free fishing events will be held on Free Fishing Day. Among those the DWR will be involved with are the following:

Logan

Free Fishing Day at Willow Park. The park is at 419 W. 700 S. in Logan.

This free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is for children 14 years of age and younger. Activities include fly tying; fly and spin casting lessons; a casting contest; a "Bugs Don't Bug Me" activity; fish crafts; fish printing and much more. Clinics also will be provided to teach kids more about fish and fishing. Fishing equipment will be provided, but those who have their own equipment are encouraged to bring it. Free tshirts and prize bags will be given to the first 250 participants. Sponsored by the Division of Wildlife Resources' Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area, Cache Anglers, the Utah State University Water Quality Extension and the Logan City Environmental Department. For more information, call Marni Lee at (435) 753-6206.

Ogden

Fifth Annual "Free Family Fishing Fair" at the Ogden Pioneer Rodeo Stadium, 668 17th St.

This free fishing fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a fishing pond where children can catch rainbow trout. Kids can also participate in a casting contest and can learn how to cast and tie knots at Pathways to Fishing clinics offered by the Division of Wildlife Resources. Birds from the Ogden Nature Center will be on display, and free fishing will be available throughout the day along the Ogden River. Ogden City and the Division of Wildlife Resources are the event's major sponsors. For more information, call (801) 629-8253.

Midway

"Kid's Fishing Event," Wasatch Mountain State Park pond, about two miles west of Midway.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited, and children who want to participate must register in advance by calling Wendy Wilson at (435) 654-1791. The park's pond will be stocked with rainbow trout before the event. A presentation that teaches kids about fish and fishing will be given to participants beginning at 9 a.m. After going through the presentation, kids can fish at the pond. Volunteers from the Division of Wildlife Resource's Dedicated Hunter program will be available if participants want help fishing and cleaning their fish. Fishing poles, equipment and bait will be available for children who don't have their own.

Northeastern Utah

Three Free Fishing Day events for kids of all ages will be held in northeastern Utah.

• Moose Ponds, Daggett County, 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the Division of Wildlife Resources.
• Pelican Lake, Uintah County, 8 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management with assistance from the DWR.
• Red Fleet Reservoir, Uintah County, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by XRQ 94 Radio.

Fishing demonstrations will be part of the Pelican Lake and Moose Pond events. Participants should bring their own poles if they have them, but a limited number of poles will be available at the Pelican Lake and Moose Pond sites for those who don't have a pole but would like to try fishing. All three events are "fun" events, and the organizers have arraigned for prizes and other give-aways for the younger children that drop by.

For more information, contact any of the sponsors or the Division of Wildlife Resources at (435) 781-9453.

Ferron

Free Fishing Day at Millsite State Park

The Division of State Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Division of Wildlife Resources, will sponsor a special kids' fishing event at Millsite State Park just west of Ferron. Fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait will be provided free of charge to children who don't have their own. Fisheries biologists will be on-hand to help parents and kids catch fish. Kids under 14 years of age can sign up for a drawing that will be held at noon. Every child who signs up will win a prize, but children must be present to win. Prizes range from rods and reels to small pieces of fishing tackle. Biologists will begin loaning out rods and reels at 8 a.m. Borrowed rods and reels should be returned by 2 p.m., although families may continue to fish for the rest of the day. For more information, contact Brent Stettler at (435) 636-0266 or BrentStettler@utah.gov.

Those with questions about Free Fishing Day may contact their nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.