Latest news with #FreeFishingDay
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Events planned across TN to celebrate Free Fishing Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee will soon celebrate a day of free fishing for residents and visitors alike. For children ages 15 or younger, the festivities will continue for even longer. The 2025 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 7. All residents and visitors can fish for free without a license in Tennessee's public waters. Children aged 15 or younger will be able to continue free fishing for the entire week through Friday, June 13. Pigeon River in East TN stocked with 10,000 walleye after Hurricane Helene concerns The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, partner organizations, and communities across the state will hold special events to celebrate the day and encourage youth participation in fishing. Loudon will hold a fishing tournament at Riverside Park with prizes on offer for anglers of all ages. Free Fishing Day events for children will be held in Lenoir City and Clinton. Click here for a full list of locations and details. Free Fishing Day applies to all public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Little River Road, the Spur to temporarily closed in June for maintenance The event was renamed in honor of longtime TWRA employee Bobby Wilson in 2023. He retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service. Wilson served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years, before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at Follow him on BlueSky @ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana offering more license-free fishing days in June and September
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
More license-free fishing days coming for Hoosiers in June and September
Hoosiers can fish for free June 7 and 8 during Indiana's upcoming Free Fishing Days. Indiana residents of all ages can head out to a public waterway that weekend to fish without a license or trout/salmon stamp. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has hosted annual free fishing events, which also include a single day in May and another in September, since 1995 when it became state law, said DNR's Cindy Stites. The idea is to get outside and try something new, Stites said. 'It's good exercise and good for your mental health," she said. "It's really a lot of fun to go out with family and friends, as well." For new anglers casting lines out during Free Fishing Day, Stites said there is nothing to be intimidated about. Go out and buy or borrow an easy-to-use rod and reel combo with a hook and bobber, then grab some worms. That's all you need to get started. 'You don't need a real expensive set up and gear, just get some sunscreen and bug spray and give it a try,' Stites said. While fishing is free for the weekend, Stites said to remember to stick to the state's fishing regulations. Anglers will still have to obey the state's fishing limits, which can be found on DNR's website. DNR's website offers an interactive map showing users public access and fishing sites for ponds, streams, rivers and lakes across Indiana. Each point on the map has information about the site, including what kind of fish can be caught, whether there are entry fees and what amenities are nearby. Outside of DNR properties, some cities are holding their own events for June's Free Fishing Days. Friends of Pogue's Run is working with Go Fishin' with Clint on June 8 for free fishing celebration with expert instruction and extra rods and reels for participants. Multiple locations are holding Fishing Derbies for kids during Free Fishing Days. DNR's website has more information on where those events are located. While the June Free Fishing Days are popular in Indiana, Stites said first-timers who enjoy going out when it's free should consider picking up a license and continuing the hobby. Some of the state's conservation funding comes from an excise tax on hunting, fishing and sports shooting equipment, Stites said. 'We encourage people to go out because it's giving back to conservation and it's also fun,' she said. Hoosiers can buy a fishing license online, by mail or in person. DNR's website has a hub to purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and retailers, county clerks and DNR properties throughout Indiana will have them for sale in person. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fish & Wildlife announces statewide Summer Free Fishing Day this June
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermonters are grabbing their fishing rods and tackle boxes in anticipation for the Summer Free Fishing Day this June 14. This event also lands on the opening day of regular bass season and the Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival, where free fishing day will be celebrated. Fish and Wildlife Interim Commissioner Andrea Shortsleeve said that 'Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for an experienced angler to be a mentor to friends who have not gone fishing before. A day on the water could lead to a lifetime of great experiences and healthy local food.' VTF&W will supply reels, fishing rods and more. Other activities like lure making and basic fishing instruction will also be available. 'No prior fishing experience is needed,' according to Fish & Wildlife officials. The festival and free fishing day celebration is set to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station. Additional information on fishing course and licenses for the season can be found online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
