Free Fishing Days June 5-8

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The 2009 observance of Illinois Free Fishing Days on June 5-8 will feature special events throughout the state promoting fishing and encouraging would-be anglers to give fishing a try. Parks and recreation districts, youth and civic organizations, fishing clubs, and other groups have scheduled fishing derbies, clinics, and other events during Free Fishing Days.

Free Fishing Days allows anyone to fish without the need for a fishing license, inland trout stamp, or salmon stamp during the four-day event each June.

"Fishing is a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy the outdoors, and it is one of the most relaxing ways to spend time outside in Illinois," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller. "Free Fishing Days provides everyone a chance to go fishing and experience the fun. We hope that when people give fishing a try, they'll be hooked."

A number of organizations throughout the state plan special events during the annual Free Fishing Days weekend and at other times during the spring and summer. While anyone can fish without a license during the four days of Free Fishing Days, anglers fishing in fishing derbies, fishing tournaments, and other special events held prior to or after Free Fishing Days are required to have a fishing license, unless they are otherwise exempted.

For more information on Free Fishing Days events in Illinois, contact Terry Beard at the IDNR at 217/785-5822.