Kentucky hosts free fishing weekend for June 7-8

[ballparent]

Kentucky hosts free fishing weekend for June 7-8
Jun 01, 2008 @ 10:53 AM
Herald-Dispatch.com
Frankfort, Ky. — With gas prices at record highs and grocery costs climbing, anything free is a true gift. During the weekend of June 7-8, anglers across the state can fish free on any public waters in Kentucky. No fishing license or trout permit is required these two days as part of the annual Free Fishing Weekend.

Several fishing events geared toward kids are being offered around the state to commemorate Free Fishing Weekend.

For those who live in the central Kentucky and Louisville area, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host a fishing derby for kids under the age of 16 from 5 -8 p.m. June 6 and from 7-10 a.m. June 7. The derby is being held at the two lakes at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, located west of Frankfort off U.S. 60 west. Kids age 15 and younger never need a fishing license or trout permit.

Headquarters lakes will close to all fishing June 4, then reopen for all anglers at 10 a.m. June 7. The two lakes will receive a special stocking of 1,400 catfish and 1,400 bluegill for the event.

Marc Johnson, aquatic education coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, said prizes will be awarded by random drawing throughout the derby. “We do that so kids learning to fish that day have the same chance at a prize as a kid who has fished with his or her grandfather for years,” Johnson said. “We try to make sure everyone walks away with something.”

The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and preferred baits or lures. A limited amount of fishing equipment and bait will be provided for those who need it.

A number of law enforcement agencies will also be showcasing safety at the fishing derby. “There will be emergency vehicles and fire trucks and police cars,” Johnson explained. “They will provide information to parents about how kids can be safe in our modern world. Topics such as Internet safety and gun safety will be covered.”

One of the largest fishing and outdoor events for kids will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern time June 7 at Green River Lake State Park. Organizer Jim Evans expects 1,500 kids and 2,000 adults to attend the free event. In addition to fishing, kids can sample archery, shooting sports, canoeing and kayaking. Country singer Marshall Law will perform and attendees will receive free hot dogs and hamburgers. Thanks to donations and sponsorships, organizers expect to give away nearly $12,000 worth of door prizes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also host its annual Catch a Rainbow Fishing Derby on June 7 at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, located off U.S.127 just below Lake Cumberland’s Wolf Creek Dam. The free event is for kids 15 and under. Youth anglers will also receive hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and soft drinks.

Smokey the Bear will be on hand as well as students from Pulaski Southwestern High School’s Raptor Recovery Program showing live raptors.

Registration for the free fishing derby begins at 8 a.m. Central time. Participants must bring their own fishing tackle. Go online to http://www.kidscatcharainbow.org/derby.htm for more information.

Other fishing events for kids scheduled for Saturday, June 7 include the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Carp Fishing Derby at Rough River Lake from 9 a.m. – noon, and the Kids Free Fishing Weekend Derby at Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery near Morehead from 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

These are just a few of the fishing events going on around the state during Free Fishing Weekend. Sponsors can publicize their local fishing events by registering them on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov, then typing in the keywords, “fishing events.” This is also the best way for anglers to find fishing events nearest to them.

Author Lee McClellan is the associate editor of Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He is a life-long hunter and angler, with a passion for smallmouth bass fishing

[OZZIEOHIO]

Can people from Ohio fish on the free days without a license?

[ballparent]

I would assume so. They don't say you can't be from Ohio.

[BigOrangeOne]

Can people from Ohio fish on the free days without a license?

I suppose you are headed for Grayson Lake.

[OZZIEOHIO]

No I was thinking Yatesvile.

[ballparent]

Can people from Ohio fish on the free days without a license?

Ozz, wasn't sure and didn't want to be responsible for any SEOP members heading to Kentucky for free fishing so I e-mailed [email protected] to clarify.....

My question:

Hi,
We were wondering if the free fishing weekend is open to residents from Ohio? We are residents of Southern Ohio and border Kentucky and would like to check out local Kentucky lakes.

And the answer:

IT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE ON JUNE THE 7TH AND 8TH...HAVE FUN.
ROB

So fish and have fun.

[kantuckyII]

Well, I just hope they can keep you all above the water and not under it stealing our hysterical treasures like you done them poor people in South Shore!

[biggdowgg]

dont worry,,,nothing in flatwoods worth dragging to Ohio

[OZZIEOHIO]

dont worry,,,nothing in flatwoods worth dragging to Ohio

<<<<<<<<<<SLAM>>>>>>>>>>>>

[ballparent]

A couple of lakes are also offering free boat ramp fees.

Winchester — In recognition of National Fishing and Boating Week, the Daniel Boone National Forest is offering two days of free boat launching.

On Saturday and Sunday, no recreation fee pass will be required for boat ramp use at Cave Run Lake or Laurel River Lake. The fee waiver at these locations coincides with Kentucky’s free fishing days. The public can enjoy two days of free boating, free fishing and free use of the boat ramps.

[kantuckyII]

oh...good, glad to hear after we spend 70 dollars in gasoline to get there..we won't have to pay that 3 buck launch fees!

[ballparent]

oh...good, glad to hear after we spend 70 dollars in gasoline to get there..we won't have to pay that 3 buck launch fees!

Alright, smart arse you can tell I haven't ever launched a boat. Simply trying to do a public service to the good members of SEOP. Anyway that $ 3.00 will buy three things from the dollar menu at Wendy's. There's lunch.

[kantuckyII]

and you really think that 3 bucks is goin' touch Biggdowgg and Oz's appetite at Wendy's?

they spend that on extra condiments alone!


last time they worked in Ironton...Wendy's there had 'Welcome Oz And Biggdowgg Construction Company' on their marquee sign on the lot!

[OZZIEOHIO]

For some reason dowg doesnt like eating in Ironton anymore. I dont think it had anything to do with the lady who was asking him his name and where he was from and where he hung outin his younger days. I think she was looking for her babys daddy and dowg might have been him. Havent eaten there since.

[kantuckyII]

Wow! he's not allowed in Ironton to eat..and from what I understand, barred out of Jackson and I know darned good n' well he ain't allowed in South Shore...man....you're goin' have to find you someone else to hang with ole' buddy...or pack you a lunch!

[biggdowgg]

Wow! he's not allowed in Ironton to eat..and from what I understand, barred out of Jackson and I know darned good n' well he ain't allowed in South Shore...man....you're goin' have to find you someone else to hang with ole' buddy...or pack you a lunch!

don't forget about the "Huddle House" in Grayson

[OZZIEOHIO]

Yes, dont go there and ask for rootbeer. She will remember the dowg and toss you out fast.

[BigOrangeOne]

Don't forget the old Johnson's Seafood restaurant in Portsmouth. We went there to eat one evening and Dowgg couldn't decide what to have so he inquired of the waitress...."How's your Red Snapper this evening"? He had a black eye for weeks after that.

[kantuckyII]

Yes, dont go there and ask for rootbeer. She will remember the dowg and toss you out fast.

We're really seeing an ongoin' pattern on here with Biggdowgg..very disturbing indeed!

[OZZIEOHIO]

Your not even going to believe this, or maybe you will. Dowg got us tossed out of the only home cooking resteraunt in Hilsboro. He offended a 90 year old lady in there, and I heard her say she was going to smack him or something to that effect and the next thing I know we had been ask to leave.