Cast Away on Free Fishing Day: Reel in the Fun in Utah’s Outdoors!
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Looking to enjoy the beauty of Utah’s outdoors and try your hand at fishing? Look no further than Free Fishing Day! On Saturday, June 10, Utah residents and visitors can cast their lines into any public waterbody without the need for a fishing license. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, this annual event offers the perfect opportunity to bond with family and friends, introduce newcomers to the joys of fishing, and take advantage of the abundant and active fish during early June. So grab your gear and get ready for a day of angling adventure in Utah’s stunning landscapes.
Places to go fishing on Free Fishing Day 2023 in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY — If you’d like to catch a fish in Utah’s beautiful outdoors but you don’t have a fishing license, Free Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
This year, Free Fishing Day will be held on Saturday, June 10, and it’s a day when anyone can fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license. It makes for a great family activity and offers an easy way to get outdoors and introduce your kids to fishing (or your neighbors and friends)! It’s an ideal day not only for beginning anglers to give fishing a try, but is also a fun time for experienced anglers, too.
“Because you don’t need a license to fish that day, it’s the perfect time to take someone with you and introduce them to this fun sport,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger said. “Early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warmwater and coldwater species, are active and willing to bite this time of the year.”
If you are taking someone fishing for their first time, you can commemorate their first catch with a fun DWR certificate. You can print out the certificate at home and fill in the details to document the occasion.
Anglers should note that while Free Fishing Day waives the requirement for having a fishing license, entrance fees to state parks and other areas will still apply.
Where to go fishing
Local community ponds are a great option for a quick, close-to-home fishing spot. These ponds are a particularly good place to take kids and other less experienced anglers. There are 57 community ponds located around Utah, and more information about each one can be found on the DWR website. Many of the community ponds will be stocked with rainbow trout a few days before Free Fishing Day. To help maintain good fishing through the hot, summer months, the DWR will also stock channel catfish into several community ponds around the state.
In addition to the community ponds, Utah has hundreds of lakes and reservoirs and thousands of miles of streams that offer great fishing. If you prefer a fishing experience that is more remote — or at a larger waterbody — you can visit the Fish Utah map on the DWR website to find a fishing spot with the qualities you’re seeking.
Learn the rules
You don’t need a license to fish on June 10, but the other fishing rules in Utah will still be in effect. Make sure you know the catch limits and other rules for the waterbody you are fishing. The rules are available in the 2023 Utah Fishing Guidebook. And wherever you go fishing on Free Fishing Day, remember to recreate responsibly by packing out what you pack in and keeping the area free of trash.
Free Fishing Day in Utah is a fantastic occasion for anglers of all levels of experience to enjoy the state’s breathtaking outdoors and try their luck at fishing. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to dip your toes into the world of angling or a seasoned angler seeking new adventures, this event offers a chance to create lasting memories with family and friends. From community ponds stocked with rainbow trout to remote lakes, reservoirs, and streams, Utah’s diverse fishing spots provide endless opportunities for casting lines and reeling in the excitement. Remember to abide by the fishing rules and regulations, pack out what you pack in, and keep the environment clean. While Free Fishing Day waives the need for a license, consider supporting Utah’s wildlife management efforts by purchasing a fishing license for other days of the year. So seize the moment, embrace the beauty of Utah’s landscapes, and make Free Fishing Day a cherished tradition in your outdoor calendar.
Community fishing ponds are great places to fish on Free Fishing Day.Family at Gigliotti Pond in Helper, UtahJune 9 will be a great day to take a kid fishing. It’s Free Fishing Day in Utah.Austin Wyatt (6) of Helper shows trout caught at the Gigliotti Pond in Helper. By Brent Stettler on 9-22-07
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.
