This weekend (June 7-8) is free fishing weekend in West Virginia -- that time of year when anglers can fish without a license and everyone seems hooked on the sport. Rangers are expecting increased activity on waterways, and ponds on private properties will enjoy a boost as well. The old-time bamboo poles that staff at Capon Springs provides their guests will see plenty of use, according to recreation director Jonathan Bellingham. The resort staff will also clean, cook, and serve the catch for breakfast the next day (though they'll do so any day).
Farther north along the Cacapon River, Cacapon Resort State Park, near Berkeley Springs, is hosting a fishing derby and other activities for youth on June 7, and Little Beaver State Park, near Beckley, is hosting its 23 annual fishing derby from 9 a.m. until noon June 14.
Naturalists in West Virginia state parks now have on hand paper certificates to award visitors who catch their first fish in state park waters -- ideal for presentations during campfire programs. The First Fish certificates may also be printed off online. The state also stocked channel catfish into eight state park lakes in May as part of its Catfish in the Parks program, which runs through summer.
Anglers who report a tagged catfish caught at Pipestem, Watoga, Cacapon, Cedar Creek, Chief Logan, Little Beaver, North Bend, or Tomlinson Run will receive a certificate good for one free night of camping at several state park campgrounds.
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