Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources News Release

Fish for free in Kentucky June 2-3

May 24, 2007

Contact: Marc Johnson
1-800-858-1549
                       
Frankfort, Ky. – On June 2-3, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will offer its Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state. Free Fishing Weekend events kick off National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 2-10. During Free Fishing Weekend, anglers may fish statewide without a fishing license. The weekend is a great opportunity for the whole family to fish without spending any money on licenses.

“Free Fishing Weekend is important because it gives a lot of kids a chance to catch a fish, win a prize and spend time with family and friends,” said Marc Johnson, aquatic education coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “It also allows adults to fish for the first time without paying the cost of a license.”

There are dozens of fishing events scheduled all over Kentucky during Free Fishing Weekend. To find a fishing event in your area, log on to fw.ky.gov and click on “Events” at the top of the homepage. Check “Fishing Events” and search your county and surrounding counties. Fishing event organizers are encouraged to submit non-boating fishing events on the website to help anglers seeking fishing opportunities in their community. Events may take several days to appear on the website.

“A lot of these events take place in city parks and other local venues,” said Johnson. “That gives the community a chance to come together, and the thing that brings them all together is fishing.”

For young anglers who live in the central Kentucky area, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will host a two-day fishing derby in Frankfort on Friday, June 1 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, June 2 from 7-10 a.m. Anglers who have not yet reached their 16^th birthday may fish on either of the two lakes located at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, located on U.S. 60, two miles west of U.S. 127. The event is free and parents are encouraged to register their young guests, as prizes will be awarded by random drawing.

            Upper and Lower Sportsman’s Lakes (formerly known as the Upper and Lower Game Farm Lakes) will be stocked prior to the derby to enhance young anglers’ chances of success. Fishing should be excellent for weeks following the event. Both lakes will be closed to the public for fishing from Wednesday, May 30 until 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2. A limited amount of equipment and bait will be available for those who need it. Participants are encouraged to bring their preferred rods, reels, baits and lures.

            Free Fishing Weekend is open to both Kentucky residents and nonresidents. In addition to fishing licenses, trout permits are also not required during this weekend. Minimum size and creel limits are still in effect, so participants are strongly encouraged to pick up a copy of the 2007 Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide, available online and wherever licenses are sold.

For general information about fishing in Kentucky, anglers also may call the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at 1-800-858-1549.

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