JUNE 5, 2013
Take your family fishing
June 8 is Arizona’s last free fishing day
You can fish Arizona waters for free the next two Saturdays, 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 1 and June 8 this year as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. On these Saturdays, no fishing licenses are required for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona.
“Whether you’re an experienced angler who wants to introduce a newcomer to the sport, or someone who’s always been interested but never took that next step, this is an ideal time to gather up some friends and family members and head out to your nearest urban lake, or head up to the cooler country to fish a lake or stream,” said Nick Walter, editor of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report.
Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed on Free Fishing Days. Kids under the age of 14 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. Try fishing, you’ll like it!
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will sponsor a number of 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.
Times and locations for Saturday, June 8 are:
Goldwater Lake
(Prescott), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman region and the City of Prescott are planning a day of free fishing for the whole family.
Staff will be on hand to assist anglers. Bait will be provided and loaner rods will be available. For more information, please call the Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman office at 928-692-7700.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
(northwest of Phoenix), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free fishing will be part of the “Lake Pleasant Adventure Day,” where attendees will also be offered various hands-on learning opportunities for scuba diving, boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and other forms of recreation.
Staff from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Lake Pleasant Regional Park will have loaner rods and reels and a limited supply of bait available.
To get to Lake Pleasant, take Highway 74 to Castle Hot Springs Road. Participants will need to pay $6 per vehicle entry fee at the main park entrance, and then follow the signs that say “Adventure Day” to the 10-Lane Boat Ramp.
For more information, please contact Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 602-372-7460 x 202.
