Anglers can fish for free Saturday at many spots around the state

Those looking for a fun activity that's close to home and doesn't cost much, mark down Saturday, June 7 — Free Fishing Day in Utah.

No license is needed, but all other rules and regulations with respect to tackle and limits do apply.

"Fishing is an activity that's fun for people of all ages — everyone in your family can enjoy it," said Roger Wilson, cold water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

"We offer Free Fishing Day to attract people to an outdoor activity they can enjoy for the rest of their life," he said.

Before Free Fishing Day, DWR personnel will stock extra fish into waters across Utah. Wilson said most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs.

Utah's community fishing ponds are another good place to consider fishing. Depending on where you live, a community pond might be just a few minutes away. To learn more about Utah's community fishing ponds, please visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/cf/.

All anglers, especially those who might be fishing for the first time, are encouraged to obtain a copy of the guidebook and learn the rules. The guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks and from fishing license agents and DWR offices.

For more information, call the nearest DWR office or the Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.

There will be several activities scheduled for Free Fishing Day:

Logan

Activities at Skylar's Pond at Willow Park, 419 W. 700 South, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone, of any age, can fish. Volunteers will check out fishing equipment and be available to help first-time anglers.

Activity booths for those ages 4 to 18 also will be on site. The first 300 youths who visit the booths and complete their "passport to fun" will receive a free T-shirt. Kids will also learn to tie a fly, experience how rivers and streams are formed, explore the life cycles of fish, learn about bugs, learn to cast a fishing lure and learn more about the Leave No Trace program.

For more information, e-mail Marni Lee with the Division of Wildlife Resources at marnilee@utah.gov.

Midway

The Kids Fishing Event will be held at the Wasatch Mountain State Park pond, about 2 miles west of Midway. It will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited. Children who want to participate must register in advance by calling Wendy Wilson at 435-654-1791.

The DWR will stock the park's pond with rainbow trout before the event. The kids who participate will be given a presentation at 9 a.m. that teaches them about fish and fishing. They will then head for the pond and fish. Volunteers from the DWR's Dedicated Hunter program will be available to help the kids fish and to help them clean their fish.