PHOENIX — You can fish Arizona waters for free on Saturday, June 2, making this an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and relaxing outdoor recreation.
Arizona’s Free Fishing Day will be celebrated on June 2 this year as part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 2-10. During that Saturday only, no fishing licenses are required for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona. Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed during Free Fishing Days.
Kids under the age of 10 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption day means that the older kids and parents get a free pass for the day. Note that Saturday, June 9 is not a Free Fishing Day.
AZGFD will also sponsor some free fishing day clinics/events to give people the opportunity to try out this fun, family-oriented pastime. Loaner fishing rods, bait and instruction are provided for free at most of these venues. Bait is provided and loaner rods are available for fishing events.
Times and locations of the scheduled events are:
Saturday, June 2
-
Goldwater Lake, Prescott, 8 a.m.-noon.
-
Lake Pleasant, Peoria, 6-10 a.m. No need to sign up. See more details, including directions.
-
Kaibab Lake, Williams, 9 a.m. – noon.
-
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood. 8 a.m.-noon. “Verde Valley Fishing Fun Day”. Channel catfish will be stocked prior to the event. Entrance fees to the state park will be waived for participating fishermen (check in at the front gate). The event is hosted by Arizona Game and Fish Department, Prescott National Forest, and Arizona State Parks.
Saturday, June 9
-
Parker Canyon Lake, Cochise County, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. No license required during event hours for those who register at the AZGFD booth.
