The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will celebrate Free Fishing Weekend June 2-3.
Free Fishing Weekend, an annual event since 1992, offers residents and non-residents the opportunity to fish Kentucky waters without a license or permit. Limits on the size and number of fish that anglers may keep still apply. Additionally, anglers may keep trout without possessing a trout permit during free fishing weekend.
With special events across the state planned for Saturday, June 2, most families can find fishing opportunities just a short drive away. A number of events are geared toward kids under age 16. Several include a free hot dog lunch, bait and loaner fishing equipment for anglers.
Families wanting the fun to last the entire weekend should consider a state park stay. Kentucky has a number of parks situated at prime fishing lakes.
Find out more online at http://parks.ky.gov
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources also stocks dozens of community lakes across the state as part of its Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program. Most of these lakes received a stocking of channel catfish in May. To find the nearest lake, go online to fw.ky.gov then search under the keyword, “FINs.”
In addition to fishing derbies for kids, U.S. Forest Service boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds at Cave Run Lake or Laurel River Lake are free to use on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3.
Menifee County: Indian Creek, Red River Gorge Geological Area, near the split of Forest Roads 9A and 9B. Look for signs. Registration from 8-10 a.m., with fishing from 9 a.m. to noon. For ages 5 to 15, with prizes awarded. Adult must accompany children. Bring one pole per child. Call (606) 663-8100 for more information.
Montgomery County: Rick Smith’s Fishing in the Park, Easy Walker Park Lake, 1395 Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Prizes in several categories for various age groups. Free hot dogs, cookies and drinks available while supplies last. Bring your own bait and fishing equipment.
Rowan County: Cave Run Kids Fishing Derby, Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, 120 Fish Hatchery Road, Morehead. Fishing for kids 15 and younger from 7-11 a.m. Registration begins at 6 a.m. Three hatchery ponds stocked with trout, bass and catfish will be open for fishing. Free hotdogs, chips and sodas. Goody bags and free T-shirt for each child, while supplies last. Prizes will include free trips to Camp Webb and Trooper Island and free boat rentals. Bait provided while supplies last. While a limited amount of equipment is available, participants with fishing equipment should bring it, along with coolers and lawn chairs. Volunteers on hand to filet each child’s catch.
(provided by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources)
