SALT LAKE CITY — If you’d like to introduce someone to fishing — or you’d like to give fishing a try but don’t have a fishing license — this weekend’s “Free Fishing Day” is a great opportunity.
Free Fishing Day will be held Saturday, allowing anyone to fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license. According to a press release issued by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the event makes for a great family activity and is an ideal time to introduce children to fishing and get them outdoors.
“Because you don’t need a license to fish that day, it’s the perfect time to take someone fishing with you and introduce them to the sport,” Randy Oplinger, sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR, said in the press release. “And, early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warmwater and coldwater fish, are active and willing to bite this time of the year.”
If you don’t have any fishing equipment or you would like some fishing tips, you can check out of one of the DWR fishing events that will be held at waterbodies around Utah that day.
“At most of the events, equipment will be available for people to use,” Oplinger said. “Volunteers will also be on hand to help you and your kids fish. Also, many of these waters will be stocked with fish before the event so there should be plenty of fish to catch.”
Special events in southwest Utah
Free food, prizes and fun await guests at two events in southwestern Utah. Fishing equipment will be available to check out, and DWR personnel and volunteers will be available to help young anglers fish and keep their hooks baited.
- Little Reservoir – 9 a.m. to noon. The reservoir is east of Beaver. Directions can be found here. This workshop will include information about fishing rules and regulations and the different fish species found in the area. Fishing equipment will also be available at the event. For more information, contact DWR volunteer services coordinator Blaine Cox at 435-559-0798 and [email protected]. Participants are asked to register for this event online.
- Bristlecone Pond – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pond is at the Brian Head Ski Resort east of Parowan. At this beginner-friendly event, experts will describe the different fish species found in the community fishery and give information about fishing rules and regulations. Fishing rods, tackle and bait will be provided for participants to practice their skills. DWR employees will also be available to help with knot-tying, casting and unhooking fish. Free lunch will be provided, and a drawing will be held with prizes, courtesy of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife. Advance online registration is required.
Community fishing ponds in southwest Utah
- Lake at the Hills (Leigh Hill Reservoir) | 2210 W. Royal Hunte Drive, Cedar City.
- Kids Pond (Woods Ranch Pond) | In Cedar Canyon, 10 miles east of Cedar City on state Route 14.
- Parowan Pond | 400 W. 100 North, Parowan.
- Bristlecone Pond | 521 S. Vasels Road, Brian Head.
Washington County community fishing ponds
- Grandpa’s Pond | 386 N. 3700 West, Hurricane.
- Razor Ridge Pond | 1934 Razor Ridge Drive, Washington City.
- Sullivan Virgin River Park Pond | 965 S. Washington Fields Road, Washington City.
- Skyline Pond | 600 E. Skyline Drive, St. George.
- Lower Tawa Pond | 2220 W. Snow Canyon Parkway, St. George.
- Upper Tawa Pond | 2220 W. Snow Canyon Parkway, St. George.
An full map to community fisheries can be found here.
Wondering what fishing might be like at places like Sand Hollow or Enterprise reservoirs? Check out the DWR’s fishing reports map to find out.
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