Free Fishing Weekend is June 2-3

Thursday, May 24, 2012

For Hoosiers who have never cast a fishing line or haven't cast a line in a while, Free Fishing Weekend, June 2-3, is a great opportunity.

That's because Indiana's adult residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters during Free Fishing Weekend.

Clint Kowalik, DNR Go FishIN coordinator, suggested several Free Fishing Weekend options for adults and families.

"Go alone to a quiet, secret spot, explore new waters with your family, or take a kid to a local fishing derby or city park pond," Kowalik said.

To celebrate Free Fishing Weekend, recreation areas across the state are planning fun fishing derbies, casting clinics, fish-cleaning demonstrations and cooking classes.

Nearby properties hosting activities for Free Fishing Weekend are:

* Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber SRA), Cloverdale, (765) 795-3552

* Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA), Rockville, (765) 344-1412

* Lake Waveland Park, Lake Waveland, (765) 435-2073

Further information is available at dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/3598.htm.

Two nearby non-DNR properties are also participating in the event.

* Sodalis Nature Park, Plainfield, will host a free fishing event on Saturday on its 5.5-acre fishing pond. The park is located just south of Plainfield at 7700 S. County Road 975 East. For more information, call Hendricks County Parks at (317) 718-6188.

* McCloud Nature Park, North Salem, will host an event on Sunday in the waters of Big Walnut Creek. The park is located five minutes south of North Salem at 8518 S. Hughes Rd. For more information, call Hendricks County Parks at (317) 718-6188.

Adults who decide they want to buy a license for the rest of the year can do so anytime at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov. The standard resident license costs $17.

Children age 17 and younger do not need a fishing license in Indiana at any time.

All other fishing regulations are still in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

People 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.

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