Date: 06/04/09
Contact: Lynne Foster
Phone: (775) 688-1997

NEVADA OFFERS FREE DAY OF FISHING SATURDAY JUNE 13

Grab your tackle box and fishing poles and head for the water on Saturday, June 13th for Nevada’s Free Fishing Day. This is the one day each year that all anglers – residents and non-residents alike – can enjoy a day of fishing in Nevada without purchasing a state fishing license or trout stamp.

“Free Fishing Day provides the perfect opportunity for families to spend the day together in an activity they may have never tried before,” said Chris Vasey, Nevada Department of Wildlife’s (NDOW) Angler Education Coordinator.

In anticipation of this event, hatchery reared "catchable-size" trout have been planted by NDOW in most fishable waters throughout the state. “Anglers, old and new alike stand a good chance of catching fish,” Vasey said.

In conjunction with Free Fishing Day, Nevada State Parks is granting free fishing access to its parks on Saturday, June 13, 2009. “Fishing is still one of our great pastimes and is an excellent way to get families and children into our parks,” said Dave Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks. “In support of Free Fishing Day, all of our water-based parks are participating by giving free entrance to visitors who show fishing poles at park entrance.”

In Southern Nevada, fishing opportunities can be found at Spring Valley, Echo Canyon, and Beaver Dam state parks in Lincoln County, and Big Bend of the Colorado State Park in Laughlin. In other areas of the state, anglers can ply their trade at the following state parks: Washoe Lake, Sand Harbor and the Lake Tahoe Backcountry (Marlette and Hobart), Dayton, Rye Patch, Lahontan, Ft. Churchill, South Fork, Wild Horse, Cave Lake and Ward Charcoal.

For a map of Nevada’s State Parks, go to: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=103706538696461645575.00043f6172dc611852d8e.

Kids and adults alike can learn how to tie knots, which tackle to use, and how to drop a line at Boulder Harbor on Lake Mead. This free event, sponsored by NDOW, the National Parks Service and several other agencies will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. The event will run to 11 a.m. The first lucky 400 kids between the ages of 2 and 15 will receive a tackle box and a chance to win prizes such as new rods, reels, fishing tackle and more. Adults will also receive tickets for special prize drawings. This is a non-competitive event and a great chance for the whole family to learn about the types of fish in Nevada waters. For more information contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127 ext. 3503 weekdays between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To the north, Nevada State Parks will be holding its annual Free Fishing Day Derby for all ages at Spring Valley State Park located just east of Pioche from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be prizes for all ages. Registration will held at the lake on the day of the event. For more information contact Ranger Ben Johnson at (775) 962-(5102 or 5103).

Nevada lawmakers adopted legislation in 1987, creating the state’s first Free Fishing Day which was first celebrated on June 11, 1988. Although no license is required, fish limits still apply. For more information go to www.ndow.org.

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.