If you’d like to give fishing a try—but you don’t have a fishing license—grab a fishing pole and head to your nearest fishing water on June 11.
June 11 is Free Fishing Day in Utah. You don’t need a fishing license to fish in the state that day.
Even if you have a license, mark June 11 on your calendar. Free Fishing Day is a perfect day and way to introduce family members and friends—who don’t have a license—to fishing.
Drew Cushing, Aquatic Section chief for the Division of Wildlife Resources, hopes to see lots of anglers, especially new anglers, at the state’s waters on June 11. “Fishing is a great way to escape the hectic pace of life, and relax,” he says. “It’s a fun activity, and it’s probably closer to your home than you think. Many Utahns are surprised to learn how many good fishing waters are only a short drive from their house.”
In addition to holding Free Fishing Day during a time when the weather is usually pleasant, holding the day in early June puts you at the state’s waters during a great time to fish in Utah. Fishing for warm water fish, including bluegill, catfish, and smallmouth and largemouth bass, is as good as it gets in early June. And trout and other cold water fish are still active and available to catch.
*The best places to fish*
They’ll attract lots of anglers, but Utah’s community fishing ponds should be excellent places to fish on Free Fishing Day. Before June 11, channel catfish—up to 18 inches in length—will be stocked into the ponds. “Catfish are known for their fighting ability,” Cushing says. “When a catfish takes your bait, it will hug the bottom and fight being caught. Catch one of these cats, and you’ll have a fun fight on your hands.”
Depending on where you live, a community pond might be only a few minutes away. You can learn more about the ponds at www.wildlife.utah.gov/cf.
Community fishing ponds aren’t the only place that will receive fish before June 11. DWR hatchery personnel will place extra fish in waters across Utah. Most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs, making these good places to try on Free Fishing Day.
*Learn the rules*
You don’t need a license to fish on June 11, but all of the other rules in the 2016 Utah Fishing Guidebook will still be in effect. You can get the free guidebook at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks. Copies are also available at DWR offices and from fishing license agents across Utah.
“If you have any questions,” Cushing says, “please call the nearest DWR office. We’d be happy to help you out.”
*Special events*
A free fishing events will be held on Free Fishing Day with the DWR will be involved at
Wellington – Knight-Ideal Community Fishing Pond A Free Fishing Day event will be held from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Knight-Ideal Community Fishing Pond, 850 E. 300 S. in Wellington. The event is free. The DWR will place additional fish in the pond before the event. Rods, reels and bait will be provided. And DWR personnel will be available to teach you how to fish and help you catch fish. For more information, call the DWR’s Price office at 435-613-3700.