If people are looking for a fun activity that’s outdoors and close to home, mark Saturday, June 6 on the calendar.

June 6 will be a great day to take a kid fishing: It’s Free Fishing Day in Utah. No one needs a fishing license to fish in the state that day.

“Make plans now to take your family out and enjoy a free day of fishing,” said Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).

Cushing said early June is one of the best times of the year to fish in Utah. Fishing for warm water fish, including bluegill, catfish, white bass and smallmouth and largemouth bass, is just starting to pick up. And trout and other cold water fish are still active and available to catch.

Some of the best places to fish

Before Free Fishing Day, DWR will place extra fish in waters across Utah. Most of the fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs, so lakes and reservoirs should be good places to fish on June 8.

Utah’s community fishing ponds are another good place to try. Before June 6 catfish that average 18-inches in length will be stocked into the ponds. “Catch one of these cats,” Cushing says, “and you’ll be in for a fun fight.”

Depending on where people live, a community pond might be only a few minutes away. Learn more about Utah’s community fishing ponds.

Cushing said DWR will keep stocking catfish into the ponds until the temperature cools in the fall. “Then we’ll place trout in the ponds,” he said.

Rules

No license is needed to fish on June 6, but all of the other rules in the state’s fishing guidebook will still be in effect.

Cushing encourages people to get a copy of the 2015 Utah Fishing Guidebook and learn the rules. The free guidebook is available online. Copies are also available at DWR offices and from fishing license agents across Utah.

“If you have any questions,” he said, “call the nearest DWR office. We’ll be happy to help you out.”

Special events

A free fishing event, including a fishing contest, will be held on Free Fishing Day in Ephraim at Community Lake, sometimes called Lake Hill Pond. The lake is in Ephraim Canyon, about five miles east of Ephraim.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. The fishing contest starts at 10 a.m. Food and prizes will be available.

Before the event, DWR will stock the pond with trout.

The U.S. Forest Service is sponsoring the event. For more information, call the Sanpete Ranger District office at 435-283-4151.