CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June 7-8, allowing anglers and their families to fish for free in public lakes, streams, and rivers in West Virginia.
Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said the annual event has helped anglers pass on the practice to new generations.
“One of the best things about Free Fishing Days is how it brings people together,” McMillion said.
“Whether you're introducing your kids to fishing for the first time or getting back out on the water with friends, this weekend is all about making memories in West Virginia’s great outdoors.”
Fishing Days Derbies set at Bowden, Little Beaver
According to Jim Hedrick, the state's hatchery program manager, the state will host fishing derbies at the Bowden Fish Hatchery near Elkins and Little Beaver State Park near Beckley on June 7 as part of Free Fishing Days weekend.
The derbies are free to attend and intended for youth anglers ages 3-14. However, participants must be registered by an adult to participate and win prizes.
The Little Beaver State Park derby is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; kids should bring their fishing gear. A limited amount of bait will be provided.
As part of the festivities at the Bowden Fish Hatchery, the state will also celebrate the derby’s 30th anniversary. The Bowden Fishing Derby is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration will start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the following hour-long fishing sessions based on grade level.
- Preschool and Kindergarten: 8-9 a.m.
- First and Second Grade: 9-10 a.m.
- Third-Fifth Grade: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Sixth-Eighth Grade: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hedrick said the event at Bowden has become seminal in the history of fishing culture in West Virginia.
“The Bowden Fishing Derby has become a cherished tradition for many families and parents who participated when they were young anglers and are bringing their kids back to carry on the tradition,” Hedrick said.
“As we celebrate the derby’s 30th anniversary, we hope to continue this legacy for years to come and inspire the next generation of anglers.”
In recent years, the state has significantly improved at the Bowden Hatchery, expanding from 40 to 60 fish rearing units.
Hedrick said the Bowden upgrade, completed in 2023, has increased the facility’s capacity by 100,000 pounds of trout annually, which has enhanced trout stocking across the state.
Anglers 15 years old and older who enjoy Free Fishing Days and wish to continue fishing after this weekend are encouraged to purchase or renew their fishing license at WVFish.com.
For more information about West Virginia’s Free Fishing Days, visit WVDNR.gov/free-fishing-days.
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