JUNE 4, 2014

Take your family fishing on AZ’s Free Fishing Day

PHOENIX – You can fish Arizona waters for free this Saturday, 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 7 this year as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. This Saturday, 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 community 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 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. Try fishing – you’ll like it!

The Arizona Game and Fish Department 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.

In addition, as part of National Get Outdoors Day on June 14, the Coronado National Forest will waive the day-use fees associated with many recreation sites or amenities on the forest in celebration of this day.

community resources

Times, locations of fishing events:
• Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Saturday, June 7, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Phoenix): Lake Pleasant Regional Park will be providing loaner fishing gear and some bait. No registration is required, although there is a $6-per-vehicle park entry fee. Once inside the park, simply follow the program signs.

• Dunton Fort Rock Ranch, Saturday, June 7, 7 a.m. to noon. (Near Kingman): This “Fishing for Smiles” event is open to kids 5-15 years. Kids must bring a parent. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Use loaner equipment, or bring your own rod and reel. Registration is available at the KRMC Kids Day at the Kingman Regional Medical Center (Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), or pre-registration is available at: Bob Kay State Farm Inc., 2425 Hualapai Mtn. Rd.; East Side Shell, 2901 E. Andy Devine; or Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman regional office on 5325 Stockton Hill Rd. To get to Dunton Fort Rock Ranch, drive east on I-40 to Fort Rock Rd. (exit 91), turn left, and drive about 200 yards to Dunton Fort Rock Ranch. Go through the gate and follow the signs. For more information, contact Bob Kay at (928) 718-9500 or Bill Shilling at (928) 279-9201.

• Goldwater Lake, Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to noon. (Near Prescott): During this fishing clinic, loaner rods and reels will be provided, bait will be available, and no fishing license is required for those who register. An Arizona Game and Fish Department expert will be on hand to tie knots and answer any fishing-related questions. Goldwater is scheduled to be stocked May 26-June 1.

• Parker Canyon Lake, Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Near Sierra Vista): The Sierra Vista Ranger District will celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Parker Canyon Lake from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. National Get Outdoors Day is intended to encourage children to recreate outdoors, and all activities will be free of charge. Day-use fees will be waived. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Sierra Vista Ranger District at (520) 378-0311 to determine which recreation sites have fees waived, and if concessionaires will charge fees.