PHOENIX —  You have a chance to enjoy family bonding, time with friends, and lots of free fun in the outdoors when Free Fishing Day comes around on Saturday, June 11. This annual event offers people across Arizona, and the nation, an opportunity to fish at their favorite fishing holes without having to pay for a license.

“Free Fishing Day is a great time to get together with the ones you love and enjoy the outdoors,” says Larry Riley, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s fisheries branch. “Every year, we try to make this a special event that people look forward to experiencing in hopes of catching a lifelong fishing memory.”

Kids today may be suffering from “nature-deficit disorder,” if you listen to the author of the book “Last Child in the Woods,” Richard Louv. Fishing is a good way to get children out of the house and learning a positive sport with family and friends.

Free Fishing Day is a part of National Fishing and Boating Week, June 4-12, when coordinated events will be held in most states, including more than 700 on-the-water activities like festivals and regattas. Gov. Janet Napolitano is getting involved with Free Fishing Day by signing a proclamation about the importance of the day. 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting eight free fishing clinics across the state, where people can just show up, borrow rods and reels, and get free bait and fishing lessons. The events will be held at the following times and locations:

1. Rose Canyon Lake in Tucson from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2. Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. Surprise Lake in Surprise in the Phoenix area from 9 a.m. to noon.

4. Red Mountain Park in Mesa from 7 to 11 a.m.

5. Lynx Lake in Prescott (time TBA).

6. D’Ambro Pond in Kingman (time TBA).

7. Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood from 8 a.m. to noon.

8. Garrett Tank outside Seligman (time TBA).

Driving directions to each of the fishing clinics and more information on Free Fishing Day can be found at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at azgfd.gov/fish. Click on the link for “Free Fishing Day Information.”
   
While fishing is free at state and urban waters only on June 11, fishing license prices are relatively low year-round. A general fishing license good for the year costs just $18. If you want to fish in Urban Fishing Program lakes in the metro Phoenix or Tucson areas, an urban fishing license is just $16. If you buy a family fishing license, you may actually save a lot of money off those individual costs. You can buy a license at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office, many sporting goods stores, Wal-Marts, online at azgfd.gov, or by calling toll-free (866) 462-0433. Family licenses are only available at department offices and at the Web site.