Many anglers have friends who have never been fishing but are curious to learn. One of the best ways to introduce them to this long-standing pastime is to take them out on Arizona's Free Fishing Day.

This year, Saturday, June 6, is the perfect time to do it, as the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will not require fishing licenses at any state waters or community lakes as part of National Free Fishing Day.

“The goal of Free Fishing Day is to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, spend quality time with friends and family, and experience the fun of fishing,” says Chase Newlon, AZGFD fishing R3 coordinator. "Many people who experience fishing for the first time enjoy it so much that they buy a license so they can continue enjoying it all year."

Fishing is already a bargain. Arizona fishing licenses start at just $37 for resident adults (18 and older) and $55 for nonresident adults for the year. A combination hunt and fish license for youths (ages 10-17, residents or nonresidents) is only $5.

While a fishing license is not needed on June 6 this year, bag limits and other Arizona fishing regulations still apply and must be observed on Free Fishing Day. Please note that Free Fishing Day applies to state and Community Fishing Program (CFP) waters and not to private or tribal waters or CAP canals (SRP canals are OK). Children under 10 can fish for free all year in Arizona.

Here are a few events taking place on Free Fishing Day:

Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to noon – Free Fishing Fun Day – hosted by AZGFD, Deadhorse Ranch State Park, and Prescott National Forest. Held at Dead Horse State Park Ponds, 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, Cottonwood, Ariz. Waters will be freshly stocked with channel catfish. Bring your own equipment, or loaner rods and reels will be provided. Instruction available and bait provided. No fishing license required. For more information, contact Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. Preregistration is required; click here register.

Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Reel It In - A barrier-free fishing program by AAWS, Bartlett Lake Marina, 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Rd, Rio Verde, Ariz. This program is conducted by Arizona Adaptive Water Sports, a cross-generational outdoor adaptive watersports program for people with disabilities. Reel It In provides inclusive, structured opportunities for youth, adults, and veterans with physical and cognitive disabilities along with their families to learn and enjoy the sport of fishing. It focuses on beginner-level instruction, with hands-on, supportive teaching in basic fishing skills, equipment use, fish handling, and outdoor safety. Program staff and volunteers will guide participants through each stage of the experience — from casting a line to cooking their catch. Preregistration is required; click here to register.

Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m., Dankworth Pond Fishing Clinic, Roper Lake State Park(about 6 miles south of Safford, Ariz). See details at the Arizona State Parks & Trails website. 

For information about fishing and license regulations and places to go, visit https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/.