FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2005

IDNR Announces Free Fishing Days June 10-13
Illinoisans Encouraged to Enjoy Relaxing Pastime

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Fishing is a fun pastime, and anyone can enjoy it free of charge this weekend in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the weekend of free fishing June 10-13 as an opportunity to encourage more people to try the activity.

“You can’t beat this weekend as an opportunity to fish for free,” said Joel Brunsvold, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “Since Illinois is one of a handful of states that does not charge to visit state parks, this adds up to a great chance for families to enjoy entertainment on a budget.”

Those who are interested in fishing are also encouraged to visit a web site with detailed information for anglers. The site, www.ifishIllinois.org, includes information ranging from places to fish, how to get a fishing license, scientific research about fishing, activities for families and kids, and opportunities for anglers who are disabled. The web site is updated regularly, to include weekly fishing reports, sport fishing prospects, and angler records. Information is provided about more than 70 inland lakes, eight major rivers and streams, and Lake Michigan. Lake maps are included.

“Especially after Illinoisan Tim Pruitt caught the world’s biggest catfish in Illinois, people are recognizing this is a great place to drop a line and haul in a catch,” said Scott Stuewe, IDNR fishing resources manager.

Some other programs that promote fishing in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources include the Tackle Loaner, Urban Fishing, and Hatcheries and Stocking Programs.

The following locations will offer educational materials for children and adults, as part of free fishing days:

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Shawnee College, Ullin Illinois,
Don’s Hideaway Bait Shop, NeogaSoggy Bottom Bait Shop, New Boston, June 10-14
Godley Park Distriict, Godley Illinois, June 12, 9-1 p.m. Fishing Derby
Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, Pere Marquette State Park, June 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kid’s Fishing Derby, June 12, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Rise to the future” Kids Fishing Derby, Eldorado Illinois, June 12th
Hanover Park District, June 12, 9-12 a.m.
West Chicago Park, Manville Oaks, June 12, 9-2 p.m.
Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Mattoon, June 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
O’Fallon Sportsman’s Club, Shiloh, June 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lombard Churchill Woods, 9 a.m., June 12
Litchfield Park District, , Lake Lou Yaeger and Litchfield Wlaton Park
Woodstock Recreation Department, June 12, 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Wabash Valley Bass Club, Lawrencville June 12
Pere Marquette State Park, June 11-14, Visitor’s Center
McHenry County Conservation District, Broodale Conservation Area, Woodstock, Cary, June 12-13
Harrisburg Township Park District, 9 a.m., June 12
Village of Riverton, June 11, 12, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Hoffman Estates: South Ridge and Westbury Estates Lakes, Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce
Glen O Jones Lake, Eldorado, June 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
McFever Park, Hoopeston, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. “Get the Kids Into It Fishing Tourney”
Argyle Lake State Park Fishing Derby, Colchester, Illinois, June 12, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Lookout Point, Carb Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, June 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. fishing derby
Ballard Nature Center, Altamont, June 12 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fishing Derby
Patriot’s Park, Greenville, 9-11 a.m.
Quincy Park District, Moorman Park Fishing Derby, June 12, 8-11 a.m.
Waukegan Park District, Bevier Park, Saturday, 8-10:30 a.m.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area, Glendale, June 12, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids Fishing Derby
N. Terrace Park Pond, Villa Park, 9 a.m.-noon, June 12
Comlara Park, Hudson Illinois, June 12 and 13th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kid’s Casting Contest
Homer Lake, Homer llinois, June 13th, 10 a.m. Fishing Derby
Lake of the Woods Park, Mahomet, June 13th,
Apple Canyon Lake
Kiwanis Park, Olney, 1-5 p.m., June 13, Free picnic with Free Fishing
Fisher Fishing Derby, June 13th, 2 p.m.
Rush Lake, Rushville, June 13, 1:30 p.m.
North Beach, Oakwood Hills, June 13th, 8:30-noon
Lake Senachwine, Hennepin, June 14th, 9 a.m.-noon
Douglas Hart Nature Center Fishing Clinic, June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
UIS Pond, Springfield June 12, 7 a.m., Kids Fishing Clinic
Mooseheart Lake, Batavia, June 12, 10 a.m.
C.J. Smith Resort, 75th Anniversary Celebration, Antioch, June 11-14th, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

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