Date: 6/6/11
Contact: Ivy Santee
Phone: (775) 688-1998

FREE FISHING DAY IN NEVADA

Saturday, June 11, is Free Fishing Day in Nevada. It's the one day each year that residents and non-residents alike can enjoy fishing in Nevada without having to purchase a fishing license. To celebrate this opportunity and encourage people to try their hand at the fishing sports, the Nevada Department of Wildlife will hold free fishing events at two local parks.

One of the two events will take place at the Veterans Memorial Park pond in Boulder City. This event will include a fishing derby for anglers of all ages along with booths where participants can learn about various fish species in Southern Nevada as well as how to tie fishing knots and select their bait and tackle. In addition, the booths will offer information about desert flora and fauna, boating safety, and other related subjects.

The first 300 children who register for this event will receive a free tackle box and all participants will have chances to win a prize. Joining NDOW as partners in this event are the Boulder City Parks & Recreation Department, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the actual event will run from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. For more information about this event contact Ivy Santee, (702) 486-5127 x 3503.

The second event will take place at Floyd Lamb Park in the northwest corner of the valley near Durango Blvd. and Highway 95. This event is sponsored by City Councilman Steve Ross and the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with NDOW. NDOW personnel will be on hand to loan out fishing rods and tackle to those who need it for the morning. Loaner rods will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. and they must be returned noon. For more information on this event contact Christie Garness at (702) 249-5877.

For those who want to escape the valley, Echo Canyon State Park near Pioche will hold its annual fishing derby from 8 a.m. – noon. The derby is open to anglers of all ages and will include a tagged fish event with the chance to win an assortment of prizes. For more information on this event contact Ranger Ben Johnson, (775) 962-5102.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.