Free Fishing Day statewide June 9

A free day of fishing and fun awaits on June 9, 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 everyone in your family can enjoy," says Roger Wilson, coldwater fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "We offer Free Fishing Day every year to attract people to an activity that can make the time they spend in the outdoors even more rewarding."

Before Free Fishing Day, DWR personnel will stock extra fish into waters across the state. Most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs.

Wilson reminds anglers that while they don't need a license to fish on June 9, all other regulations in the 2007 Utah Fishing Guide will be in effect. Anglers, especially those who might be fishing for the first time, are encouraged to obtain a copy of the guide and

learn the rules. Guides are available at the DWR's Web site (www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations) and from fishing license agents and DWR offices.

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

NORTH-CENTRAL UTAH

MIDWAY: Wasatch Mountain State Park pond, about 2 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 the presentation, kids can fish at the pond. Volunteers from the Division of Wildlife Resource's Dedicated Hunter program will be available to help kids fish and to clean their fish. Fishing poles, equipment and bait will be available for kids who don't have their own.