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UTAH LAKE — For seasoned and first-time anglers alike, Saturday was a good day for fishing.
State wildlife officials say early June is one of the best times of the year to fish. And Saturday, the state let everyone fish without a license, drawing anglers to places fishing spots throughout Utah.
Before the event, the Department of Wildlife Resources put extra fish in lakes and reservoirs. They also stocked 18-inch catfish into community ponds. The DWR said fishing for warm water fish like bluegill, white bass and catfish is starting to pick up, but cold water fish like trout are still available too.
Fishing was a family affair for Jayson Waggoner from Provo, who brought his son and younger brother out to Utah Lake. He was out to catch some catfish and found success.
"Our neighbors right here have given us a few, about five or six and we've caught three of four," he said. "We've been doing pretty good."
For others, like Danny Werito, fishing required a little more patience. The avid fisherman was visiting from New Mexico, taking his 16-year old relative fishing for the first time.
"I didn't think it was going to be this many people and this much bugs."
John Simmons and Jayson Waggoner were hoping to catch catfish and eat it for dinner Saturday. Saturday was Waggoner's first time at Utah Lake and for this avid angler, worth it.
"It's always fun when you can come out and fish for free," he said.
The DWR was involved in several free fishing events throughout the state. Festivities included activities, contests and food.
