BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission officially proclaimed June 9 and 10 as “Free Fishing Weekend” for Louisiana citizens and visitors. The promotional fishing dates are provided for novices and non-anglers as an opportunity to experience recreational fishing in fresh or salt water without the purchase of a recreational fishing license.

The program is part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) efforts to attract more participants into the ranks of licensed fishermen. Fishing license fees support LDWF’s conservation efforts including habitat management.

“LDWF is encouraging anyone who wants to fish in Louisiana to do so on the weekend of June 9-10,” said John Sturgis, LDWF education manager. “It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy, even without a boat. Louisiana offers some of the best bank and pier fishing opportunities in the south.”

“Free Fishing Weekend” is a part of Fishing Week in Louisiana that runs from June 4 to 10. The event was created to help reverse the trend of declining participation in outdoor activities across America.

In conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, LDWF is working with supporting sponsors to offer the following events on Saturday, June 9:

4Bass Pro Shops Kids Fishing Rodeo at Waddill Wildlife Refuge, 4142 N. Flannery Road, Baton Rouge

Fishing competition from 7 to 11 a.m. followed by lunch at Bass Pro.

4Free Fishing Day at Lake D’Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Road, Farmerville

Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the fishing contest at 9 a.m. and bait casting contest at 10 a.m. with awards to be presented before noon.

4Louisiana Saltwater Series Youth Fishing Event at Elmer’s Island, LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle

Tournament hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.govon Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffbor follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For more information, contact John Sturgis at 225-763-5448 or jsturgis@wlf.la.gov or Danica Williams at 504-628-7282 or dwilliams@wlf.la.gov.