TWRA Holds Free Fishing Day for Adults, Free Fishing Week for Kids

Tennessee’s annual Free Fishing Day and the Youth Free Fishing Week are a great way to get outdoors and introduce someone you know to the sport of fishing.

The 2018 Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 9 when anyone may fish free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, especially children to celebrate fishing as a wholesome and healthy recreational option. In addition, children ages 15 and younger may fish without a license beginning on Free Fishing Day through the following Friday (June 15). The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the events in hopes of increasing interest in fishing.

27th Annual Children’s Trout Rodeo in Gatlinburg Kicks Off Free Fishing Week for Kids

Gatlinburg will celebrate Tennessee Free Fishing Day with the 27th Annual Children’s Trout Rodeo on Saturday, June 9 at Herbert Holt Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with weigh-in at 10:30 a.m.  Prizes will be awarded to winners by age group and total weight of fish caught. Additional prizes will be awarded for the largest and smallest trout caught. There will be soft drinks and refreshments offered during the Rodeo.

Gatlinburg Parks and Recreation Department wishes to thank participating sponsors including TWRA, Smoky Mountain Angler, Gatlinburg Sportsman’s Club, Gatlinburg Elks Lodge, Wal-Mart and Food City. For more information, please call 436-7549.

The Free Fishing Day and Week are annual events in Tennessee and are great opportunities to introduce children to the enjoyment and excitement of a day on the water catching fish. The TWRA is among several organizations planning special fishing events, primarily for youngsters. The TWRA annually stocks several thousand pounds of fish for various events.

For a list of the events, visit the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org and the For Anglers section. Anglers and potential anglers should check the events list often since special events are frequently added.

Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes and ponds continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about a particular facility.