Free Fishing Day is upon us, and it’s happening at various locations throughout the Gem State this weekend.
The event gives anyone the chance to fish for free without a fishing license at a variety of ponds, rivers and reservoirs.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been doing its Free Fishing Day for decades. It happens on the second Saturday in June each year.
While you can fish at any body of water that’s open for fishing, you can find Fish & Game officers with gear and giveaways at two nearby locations: the Bannock Reservoir in the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello and Ryder Park Pond in Idaho Falls.
“It’s just a great way to get people out fishing,” says Jennifer Jackson, regional communications manager for IDFG’s southeast region. “Maybe they used to fish as a kid and forgot how much they loved it, or maybe they’re new to fishing and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a license and equipment, or they’ve never tried it before, and they just want to learn. That’s why these free fishing days are such a great tradition.”
IDFG will partner with Idaho Central Credit Union and Scheel’s to provide 1,300 free fishing poles and other gear, such as tackle boxes, to kids 13 and younger for the event. A good chunk of those poles will be available at Bannock Reservoir on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free bait, instruction time and other gear will also be provided.
Nearly 250,000 rainbow trout are being stocked at fisheries across Idaho in preparation for Free Fishing Day, with 3,000 going to Bannock Reservoir alone.
“There should be fish to be had at almost every favorite fishery across Idaho,” Jackson said.
IDFG invites all to come out to Free Fishing Day — even those who have never touched a fishing pole.
“It’s something that you can pick up, and without much training or expertise, you can be catching fish in no time,” Jackson said. “I think that’s what makes it such a great activity for anybody no matter their age or skills. If you don’t have a fishing pole and you’ve never fished before, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. You can reel in a lot of fun.”
Free Fishing Day will be Saturday, June 13. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bannock Reservoir in Pocatello and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ryder Park Pond in Idaho Falls.
For more information, visit IDFG’s website.