If you’re angling for a reason to head outdoors, Free Fishing Day is a perfect excuse. On June 1, anglers don’t need a license to fish on waters throughout Wyoming.
Each year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming — Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone National Park excluded — without a fishing license. All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect. Anglers can review the regulations online before heading out.
“Free Fishing Day is a great time to kick off summer fishing. Take the opportunity to celebrate this special week by going fishing with family and friends,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. “If you don’t know how to fish, there will be local events statewide to teach you how.”
On Free Fishing Day, attend an event near you:
| Town | Water | Time | Special Details |
| Casper | Yesness Pond in Casper | Registration begins at 9 a.m. Families with last names beginning with the letter A through M fish from 9 a.m. to noon. Families with last names beginning with the letter N through Z fish from noon to 3 p.m. | Youth age 14 and under, accompanied by their parents, are invited to participate. There will be goody bags for all fishing participants. Hosted by the Community Recreation Foundation. |
| Cheyenne | Sloan's Lake, Lion’s Park | 7 a.m.-10 a.m. | Anyone can stop by to fish. Game and Fish will provide fishing rods and bait. Cheyenne Sportsman’s Warehouse will also be onsite. |
| Cody | Beck Lake in Cody | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Open to kids 14 and under. |
| Cody | Hogan/Luce Recreation Area, 18 miles north of Cody | 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Veterans Family Fishing Event. Open to veterans, their families and the public. |
| Jackson | Rendezvous Park (“R” Park) near Wilson | Event runs 10:30 a.m to 2 p.m. | Enjoy a free hotdog lunch served by the Jackson Hole Lions Club at noon. |
| Lander | Luckey Pond | Event starts at 8 a.m. | Fishing rods supplied by North Platte Walleyes Unlimited; tackle by Game and Fish, and bait by Popo Agie anglers. Kiwanis will be cooking hotdogs for lunch. |
| Pinedale | CCC Ponds, 3 miles north of Pinedale | Registration from 9:45 to 10:10 a.m. at the CCC Ponds parking area. Event starts at 10:10 a.m. | Youth 13 and under are invited to participate in this event. The local Trout Unlimited chapter will provide a free hotdog and hamburger lunch. |
| Riverton | Big Bend (Rendezvous) Ponds | Event starts at 8 a.m. | The fishing event and lunch is organized by the Riverton Kiwanis. Rod and reels available courtesy of North Platte Walleyes Unlimited of Casper Bait and tackle is donated Rocky Mountain Discount Sports of Riverton. |
There are more special fishing events throughout June. Plan to attend:
Dubois: June 8 at Pete’s Pond for a kids fishing day. Pete’s Pond is near the Dubois Rodeo Grounds. Register at 8:30 a.m., event begins at 9 a.m. Enjoy lunch served by Kiwains. Other partners include Dubois Anglers and Wildlife Group, U.S. Forest Service and Game and Fish.
Rock Springs: June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wataha Recreational Complex. The local Seedskadee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Game and Fish invite you to bring a kid fishing. Fishing rods will be available for use.
Lovell: July 20 from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for a Kids Fishing Day on the Bighorn National Forest Porcupine Pond. For kids 13 and under.
Share stories and photos of your smiles, catches (and misses) on social media with #wyfish.
