Louisville Public Policy Examiner with monster Freshwater
Drum Fish he caught at Rough River, 2009

If you’re looking for an excuse to get away and enjoy some fishing, consider the weekend of June 5-6 in Kentucky. That’s Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required on Kentucky waters. Several Kentucky State parks will be holding events for children. It’s also a great chance to invite your out-of-state friends to visit for a weekend of fishing. Visit a state park and spend the night at a lodge, cottage or campground and enjoy one of the park system’s restaurants.

Many parks have marinas where you can rent a boat and head out on your fishing adventure. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.  Children under 16 years old do not require a fishing license in Kentucky. All other fishing regulations remain in effect in Kentucky.

Here are the state park events planned for the weekend (Note-Due to recent flooding, some parks have cancelled or postponed fishing events. Please check in advance):

Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend
The free fishing days are a great time to get some friends together and head down to Big Bone Lick State Park. Enjoy a 7.5-acre lake, a stream stocked with trout or visit the Ohio River, only 2 miles from the park. Bait and year-round hunting and fishing permits are available at the park campground store. 859-384-3522.

(All animations on this 
page from ardpark.com)

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mt. Olivet
June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend
Free fishing days are an excellent time to invite family and friends from out-of-state to ply the waters of Kentucky. Just put out your “Gone Fishin’ Sign” and travel to Blue Licks for some fun on the Licking River! Nearby Lake Carnico also offers some excellent fishing. Call 859/289-5507 or 800/443-7008 for more information.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
June 5: Kids Fishing Derby
Free event to all children ages 1-15. Meet at the marina for a variety of events. Prizes will be awarded. Starts at 9:30 a.m. 800-325-0058.

Thomas A. McAdam IV, with monster Bass, caught
at Rough River, 2008

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
June 5: Hook or Hike Day
Dale Hollow is celebrating “Free Fishing Weekend” and National Trails Days on June 5. Borrow a fishing pole from the recreation department for free to hook a fish, or hike part of our 15 miles of trails. Several programs such as “Learn How to Fish,” Leave No Trace, and guided hikes will be offered throughout the day to interpret the history, wildlife and ecology of the park. For more information call 1-800-325-2282.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend
The free fishing weekend is a great opportunity to get with family and friends for a fishing outing at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. The 225-acre mountain lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and trout. Let’s get “hooked” on fishing. 1-800-325-0083.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend
Free Fishing Weekend kicks off 2010 National Fishing and Boating Week in Kentucky (June 5 - 13, 2010), a nationwide observance encouraging families to have fun together on the water. Adults can fish free all weekend, but kids under 16 do not need a license to fish in Kentucky. Season dates, limits and all other fishing regulations must be followed. Contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov  

(Animation: ardpark.com)

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
June 5: Kenlake's Fishing For Fun Day
Let’s go fishing! Join in on a day filled with fun, laughter, and making memories. This event is held at Kenlake State Resort Park's Marina on Kentucky Lake. This day is set aside for free fishing in Kentucky. So bring a kid to Kenlake for a day of fishing fun. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with fishing from 8-11 a.m. Lunch and door prizes will be 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This event is brought to you by Kenlake State Resort Park, Benton Wal-Mart and Kenlake Marina, where we bring kids, fishing and fun together. 800-325-0143.

Miserably small fish caught by retired Jefferson Circuit Court 
Administrator, Roger T. Vize, 2008 in Jefferson County, Ky.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
June 5: Kenlake's Fishing For Fun Day
Let’s go fishing! Join in on a day filled with fun, laughter, and making memories. This event is held at Kenlake State Resort Park's Marina on Kentucky Lake. This day is set aside for free fishing in Kentucky. So bring a kid to Kenlake for a day of fishing fun. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with fishing from 8-11 a.m. Lunch and door prizes will be 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This event is brought to you by Kenlake State Resort Park, Benton Wal-Mart and Kenlake Marina, where we bring kids, fishing and fun together. 800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
June 5: Junior Angler Open and License FREE Weekend!
The 1st Kentucky Dam ”Junior Angler Open and License FREE Weekend” is here and the recreation crew will be there to provide pointers, demonstrate the correct way to cast and offer fishing tips. Some bait will be provided. This event is $5 to enter and open to the public. No fishing license is required as part of Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend. Fishing will be from 8-11 a.m. and a casting contest will begin at 11 a.m. with several prizes going to the winners in different age categories. (Ages 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18.) Door prizes will be awarded and a free hot dog cookout will be at noon. This event is geared toward ages 7 and up and a parent or guardian must be present at all times with any child under 13. Registration is recommended but not required. To register or for more information, contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146 ext #412. A registration/consent form will be required for participation. Remember to bring a fishing pole and a friend! 

(Animation: ardpark.com)

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
June 5: Catch a Rainbow Kid’s Fishing Derby
Bring the kids and come join in the fun of the 24th Annual Catch a Rainbow Kid’s Fishing Derby at Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery. Each year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources strive to promote good fishing to kid’s of all ages while they have a blast fishing for rainbow trout. The Derby is organized by the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc. The event is free to the public. For more information you can visit http://www.catcharainbow.org/site/page002.aspx

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
June 5: Youth Fishing Derby
Join Rough River as the park kicks off “Free Fishing Weekend” with a Youth Fishing Derby. This weekend is set aside for fishing with no license to promote the sport of fishing and National Fishing Week. The park will have a limited number of poles and bait, and will also hold a drawing for prizes for those kids who participate. First come, first serve. Have your own pole? Bring it along and fish with us and still be eligible for the prize drawings. Call the park for times and more information! 1-800-325-1713

"A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work."

Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa
June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend
Free Fishing Weekend will be observed at the Yatesville Lake State Park Marina each day from 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. for youth ages 15 and under. Register at the marina for prizes for the largest fish caught each day. Loaner rods and reels are available on a limited basis. Bait is available at the marina store. Call 606-686-2361 for more information.

Here are some other events related to Free Fishing Weekend in Kentucky:

Bernheim Arboretum & Forest
June 5-6: Free Fishing Days at Bernheim Lakes
In the spirit of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend, Bernheim is opening Cedar Pond and Holly Pond to children accompanied by a parent. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of family fun. During these two days, no license is required to fish. Admission is $5 per car. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional info, call 502-955-8822, www.bernheim.org