WESTSIDE -- One of the big events outdoorsmen (and women) look forward to each year is the annual free fishing weekend. This year the statewide free fishing event runs from noon on Friday, June 12, to midnight Sunday, June 14. Both state residents and nonresidents may fish this weekend without fishing licenses or trout permits.
All the usual state regulations, such as daily limits and length limits, must be observed.
Free fishing days are a good opportunity for beginners to try out fishing for the first time. Game and Fish Commission employees suggest that, if you already have a license, you should take a friend or family member out on the water for the day.
Of special interest to the youngsters in the area is the kids' fishing day always held on free fishing weekend. The Charlie Craig Fish Hatchery at Centerton, as well as the other four state fish hatcheries operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will host the kids' fishing derby on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children age 12 and younger.
Entrants in the fishing derby should bring their own fishing tackle and bait. Also recommended are something to sit on, cameras, refreshments, sunscreen and hats.
Each child will be allowed to use one rod or pole and will have a limit of three fish. Each pond will be stocked with catchable-size channel catfish before the derby begins, and some fish with special tags will earn the young fishermen prizes. The youngsters will also be able to enjoy a BB gun range, an archery range and canoe rides on the hatchery grounds.
For more information, contact Tommy Laird, Charlie Craig Fish Hatchery manager, at 877-795-2470.
The initial land purchase for the Centerton Fish Hatchery was made in 1938 by local folks concerned about the conservation of fish resources in northwest Arkansas. A fundraising campaign to buy the land was led by Charlie Craig, a Bentonville native and insurance agent whose passion was fishing. In 1937 the owner of the property died and his widow told Craig she would sell the spring, 40 acres and a house to the commission for $1,800. The commission had no money but wanted a hatchery in the area. Craig raised the money by taking many two-dollar donations. The hatchery was renamed the C.B. "Charlie" Craig Fish Hatchery in 1977 to honor his efforts in conservation.
June 6 through 14 is National Fishing and Boating Week and the free fishing weekend provides a fitting conclusion to that observance. The week is designed to highlight the importance of recreational boating and fishing in enhancing people's lives and promoting conservation.
Boating is ranked as one of the top three stress-relieving activities, and funds from fishing licenses and boating registrations go toward conservation of natural waters.
So, it's a perfect weekend to get out and have some fun, connect with nature and help further Arkansas conservation efforts.
General News on 06/10/2015