Arizona’s Free Fishing Day means family fun

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PHOENIX — You can fish Arizona waters for free this Saturday, making this an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and relaxing outdoor recreation.

Arizona’s Free Fishing Day will be celebrated on June 4 this year as part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 4-12. This Saturday, no fishing licenses are required for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona.

“Whether you’re an experienced angler who wants to introduce a newcomer to the sport, or someone who’s always been interested but never took that next step, this is an ideal time to gather up some friends and family members and head out to your nearest community lake, or head up to the cooler country to fish a lake or stream,” said Nick Walter, editor of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report.

Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed on Free Fishing Days. Kids under the age of 10 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption day means that the older kids and parents get a free pass for the day.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will also sponsor some free fishing day clinics/events to give people the opportunity to try out this fun, family-oriented pastime. Loaner fishing rods, bait and instruction are provided for free at most of these venues.

Times and locations of the events are:

Saturday, June 4:

  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, 7-10 a.m.
  • Goldwater Lake, 2900 S. Goldwater Lake Rd., Prescott, 9 a.m. 1- p.m. The Mora National Fish Hatchery in New Mexico will be providing retired Gila trout broodstock for the clinic, and there is potential to catch a world record Gila trout. The record is 3 pounds, 7 ounces caught by Bo Nelson from Frye Mesa Reservoir on March 19, 2011.
  • Deadhorse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, middle lagoon, 8 a.m.-noon. Entrance fees for participants are waived during this time period only. Channel catfish will be stocked prior to the event.
  • Garrett Tank, approximately 12 miles east of Seligman off of Crookton Road, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to public. No signups.
  • Dogtown Lake, 1250 Pine Top Dr., Williams, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 11:

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