Free Fishing Weekend

Outdoor fun only started with Memorial Day weekend.


Free Fishing Weekend, June 4-5, provides a chance for kids and adults to participate at recreation areas located across Indiana that are planning fun fishing derbies, casting clinics, fish-cleaning demonstrations and cooking classes.

A list of the many sites offering special events for kids for the weekend is at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3598.htm.

Free Fishing Weekend also is a great chance for Hoosier adults who don't fish or haven't for a while to take a child fishing. That's because Indiana's adult residents do not need a license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters during Free Fishing Weekend. With children age 17 and younger not needing a fishing license at any time, it's a perfect match. All other fishing regulations are still in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

Adults who decide they want to buy a license for the rest of the year can do so any time at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5330.htm.

Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in Free Fishing Weekend events at DNR properties should contact the property at least 72 hours before the event or call the DNR ADA Coordinator at (317) 232-4145.

Want a better way to find the fish? Several new lake bathymetry (depth) maps have been added to DNR's website just in time for Free Fishing Weekend. This brings the number of such maps to 63 now available for free download in digital format.

The additions include two in Warrick County (Blue Grass and Otter), as well as Shipshewana and Nauvoo in LaGrange County, and Mud Lake in Noble County, and Indian Lake in DeKalb County.

Armed with these maps, Hoosier anglers of all experience levels can hit the water knowing the location of the deep holes and shallow areas fish love.

The complete list is available at Indiana Lake depth maps. http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5759.htm