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SALT LAKE CITY — A fishing license is normally required in Utah for anyone 12 years or older; however, that rule is being waived this Saturday for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' annual "Free Fishing Day."
The yearly event dates back to 1988 as an opportunity for people to "experience fishing and try it" before deciding to buy a license, said division spokeswoman Faith Heaton Jolley. In essence, it's a trial run for people who may have never fished before.
"It's the perfect time to take someone with you and introduce them to this fun sport," added Randy Oplinger, the division's sportfish coordinator, in a statement. "Early June is one of the best times to fish in Utah. All of the fish in the state, both warm-water and cold-water species, are active and willing to bite this time of the year."
There are a few things to know about Saturday:
- Entrance fees to state parks and other areas with fees will still apply.
- All other fishing rules also still apply — that means daily catch limits and any rules for a specific body of water. These can be found in the state's fishing guidebook.
If you like the experience and you are 12 or older, you'll have to get a license to fish any other time this year.
The cost of a one-year fishing license ranges between $5, for children between the ages of 12 and 13, and $34 for adults between the ages of 18 and 64, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The money from these sales goes into a fund designated solely to allow the agency to carry out its "mission to conserve and protect the wildlife of Utah."
