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Idaho Fish and Game

Free Fishing Day Saturday, June 9!

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IDAHO FALLS - Free Fishing day has been so successful that it has become an institution not just in Idaho, but nationwide! This year the event falls on Saturday, June 9th. Free fishing day is the one day of the year when no license is required to fish. This incredible opportunity is open to young and old alike, and you don't even have to be a resident to participate! Free Fishing Day started in 1985 and has grown ever since. While everyone gets to fish free, the real point of the day is to help expose kids to the fun of fishing. Idaho's Free Fishing Day is part of a coordinated effort by all the states to celebrate National Fishing & Boating Week June 4 - June 10. Many rivers and reservoirs have been stocked this month to make sure novice anglers have the best possible shot at a successful first outing. Folks planning to take advantage of free fishing day should remember that all other fishing regulations remain intact and fees are still charged for overnight camping in the state parks and at trial fee access sites. Anglers this year will get an added bonus due to the fact that Free Fishing Day happens to fall during the period that the Idaho Fish & Game Commission has set seasons for hatchery Chinook on many rivers in the western and central portion of the State. Even though wild Chinook are listed as an Endangered Species, an exceptional surplus of hatchery fish returning this year has allowed for this limited sport fishery. US Forest Service & IDFG personnel, along with other volunteers, will be on hand at the following fishing spots in the Upper Snake Region to teach youngsters to tie fishing knots, bait hooks, and cast properly.
  • Idaho Falls Area - Ririe Reservoir at Blacktail Access - 9:00 a.m. to noon. - ACCESS FEE WAIVED COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE COUNTY PARKS & REC

  • Swan Valley - Yeamon Scout Pond - 2 miles S. of Palisades Dam on Fall River Road - sponsored by U.S. Forest Service - 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

  • Teton Valley - Trail Creek Pond - Southeast of Victor - 9:00 a.m. - noon.

  • Island Park Area - Mill Creek Pond - 2 miles west of McCrea's Bridge on the Yale-Kilgore Road - 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Limited amounts of tackle and gear will be available for use at some locations. It is important that all children be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Adults and single-parent families are strongly encouraged to come and learn more about our proud national fishing heritage.