Free Fishing Day set for June 7

Check the weather for Saturday, June 7, to see if it will be sunny. If it is not, be prepared to wear a poncho out in a boat or on the shores of one of the many fresh bodies of water in the area, because it is Free Fishing Day in California.

“There are two free fishing days the Fishing and Game Commission puts on each year, one in June and one in September,” said California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) spokesman Steve Martarano. “It is a way to introduce fishing to people who don’t normally do it. It gets people testing the waters. People can have a chance to see what fishing is all about in hopes that they will buy a license.”

DFG will plant thousands of pounds of hungry fish in urban lakes and ponds as part of its popular statewide Free Fishing Day. This day allows anyone who wants to experience the joys of fishing to cast a line without purchasing a fishing license.

The Free Fishing Day is DFG’s way of luring in new fishermen. People who don’t know if they like fishing yet can do it at a low cost.

One still needs a pole and some tackle, and everyone must abide by other rules and regulations such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures.

“Every fishing location has their regulations. If the limit is five, you can’t take out 10 trout,” said Martarano.

Even though people don’t have to have a state license that day, they still have to pay entrance fees. For example, Diamond Valley Lake charges $7 per vehicle entrance and $3 a person for a fishing access permit.

At Lake Elsinore, when fishing from land on designated shoreline, it is always free. However, there are day use and launching fees when fishing from a boat.

Lake Skinner will not have any fishing on Free Fishing Day, because the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival will be held that weekend.

There are an estimated 44 million recreational anglers in the United States, based on surveys conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

California was among the top three states with the highest number of recreational anglers, according to a press release. Texas and Florida were the other two angler-enthusiastic states.

For those who already have licenses, the Free Fishing Day could be a way to get friends and family to come with them and try for free.

There’s always a story about the one that got away or the huge bass that flailed out of the water the second it hit someone’s line.

The City of Lake Elsinore Community Department of Parks and Recreation will hold their ninth annual Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby at the Lake Elsinore levee at 500 Diamond Drive.

Children ages 15 and younger may register to participate by calling the Community Center at (951) 245-0442. There will be no walk-ins allowed.

The time for the derby is 7 to10 a.m. and check-in begins at 6:45 a.m. Prizes will be awarded based on age and results.

Children under the age of 5 may be aided by parents. All children need to have their own poles and tackle.

Visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov for additional information on Free Fishing Day.

The Lake Elsinore Lake Department can be reached at (951) 674-7730.

For further information about Diamond Valley Lake, call (951) 926-7201.

Lake Skinner can be reached at (951) 926-1541.