LOGAN – The Division of Wildlife Resources is hoping to get people out fishing with hopes they will become addicted to the sport. The state agency is gearing up for Free Fishing Day to be held this Saturday, June 8.
Anyone can fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license. This is a great time to get the family outdoors and introduce them to the joys of learning how to cast a line into the water and catch one of Utah’s bigger attractions.
Free Fish Day is also a good time to get families and friends to experience fishing at its best. This is an ideal way to introduce kids to the sport and it gives experienced anglers a chance to share their love and wisdom with others.
“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 the sport,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Aquatics Section Assistant Chief Craig Walker said. “Early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah.
“All of the fish in the state, both warm-water and cold-water species, are active and willing to bite this time of the year. And with this year’s drought, it will be better to go fishing earlier in the summer as well. While some waterbodies may be impacted by low water levels this year, the majority of the fishing in Utah will be great.”
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.
Local community ponds are well stocked with rainbow trout and are a great option for a quick, close-to-home fishing spot. These ponds are particularly a good, easy place to take children and other less-experienced anglers.
Of the 57 community fisheries in the state, five are around the Cache Valley area.
All of the community ponds have been stocked recently with rainbow trout, and some will be stocked with channel catfish a few days before Free Fishing Day.
Anglers who would prefer a different experience can visit the Fish Utah map on the DWR website to find nearby lakes and reservoirs and to figure out where to go if they want to fish for a particular species.
Community ponds in the Cache Valley area include Wellsville Pond, located at 500 S. 100 E. Wellsville and Skyler’s Pond, located at 500 W. 700 S. at Willow Park in Logan.
Skylar’s Pond at Willow Park was designated for fishermen 14 years-old and younger. It is stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, green sunfish and channel catfish.
Brigham City has two community fishing ponds. Mayor’s Pond is located not far from the Highway 89/91 west bound exit coming out of Sardine Canyon into Brigham City. Rainbow trout are the only fish listed. Pioneer Pond is located at 800 W. Forest St. The Pioneer Park Pond has rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.
Garden City Pond is located in Heritage Park near Bear Lake and is stocked with rainbow trout, too.
Anyone dropping a line in the water should know the catch limits and other rules for the waterbody you are fishing. All of Utah fishing rules are available in the 2022 Utah Fishing Guidebook.
DWR wants to remind everyone wherever they go fishing on Free Fishing Day, or any other time, they have a responsibly to pack out what they pack in and keep the area free of trash.
Although you don’t need a fishing license on Free Fishing Day, a fishing license is required to fish any other day of the year. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase and can be purchased online, at any DWR office or from a DWR licensed agent.