Numerous special events across the state highlight annual Ky. Free Fishing Weekend
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will celebrate Free Fishing Weekend June 3-4.
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 3, most families can find fishing opportunities just a short drive away. A number of events are geared toward kids under the age of 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 www.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 www.fw.ky.gov then search under the keyword, “FINs.”
In addition to fishing derbies for kids, no fee permit will be required to use boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds at Cave Run Lake or Laurel River Lake on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4.
Following is a list of several of the fishing events planned for June 3 in the Lawrence Co. area. All times listed are local.
Lawrence County: Yatesville Lake State Park Marina, 2667 Pleasant Ridge Road, Louisa. Fishing from 9 a.m. to noon for kids 17 and younger. Lunch and bait provided. Limited number of loaner fishing poles will be available. Anglers should bring own gear. Door prizes and prizes for most fish and biggest fish for various age groups. Register by calling (606) 686-2412, option 0.
Clay County: Redbird Ranger District Kid’s Fishing Derby, Little Double Creek Pond, located behind office at 91 Peabody Road, Big Creek, Ky. Fishing from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For ages 15 and under. Food and prizes for participants. Call (606) 598-2192 for more information.
Menifee County: Indian Creek, Red River Gorge Geological Area, near the split of Forest Roads 9A and 9B. Look for signs. Registration from 8 a.m. to 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 8 a.m. There will be prizes in several categories for three age groups. Sandwiches, cookies and drinks available while supplies last.
Perry County: Hook and Hike Day, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY 1833, Buckhorn. Catch and release fishing tournament for kids 15 and under begins at 9 a.m. Anglers should bring own gear. Guided hike of Moonshine Holler Trail begins at 1:30 p.m. in front of lodge.
Rowan County: Cave Run Kids Fishing Derby, Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, 120 Fish Hatchery Road, Morehead. Fishing for kids 15 and under from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration begins at 6 a.m. Three hatchery ponds stocked with trout, bass and catfish will be open for fishing. Free food, games, displays and prizes. Goody bags and free t-shirt for each child. Prizes will include free trips to Camp Webb and Trooper Island and free boat rentals. Bait provided while supplies last. Anglers should bring fishing equipment, coolers and lawn chairs.
From Fish and Wildlife Communications
