Register for a Free Fishing Derby at an AGFC Hatchery This Weekend

Families looking for a great weekend getaway may want to take a look at one of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s four warmwater fish hatcheries for a free fishing derby Saturday, June 13, but now is the time to sign up at www.agfc.com/freefishing.

“About a third of the available spots are already taken, so if you’re wanting a spot, you want to sign up as soon as possible,” JJ Gladden, AGFC assistant chief of education, said. “The process to takes a few minutes, so you’ll want to do it now so all you have to do is drop by the check-in station on your way and get to your fishing location before the derby begins.”

All four AGFC warmwater fish hatcheries are joining in on the fun, and each will have a pond of catchable-sized catfish ready and hungry for anglers’ baits. Hatchery staff tend to add a few big bonus fish in each pond to up the excitement level.

“This is the one time of year the public can come out to our hatcheries and fish for catfish right where we’re growing them,” Tommy Laird, AGFC chief of fisheries, said. “It’s open for the whole family, so everyone is encouraged to sign up and visit us for a morning of fun fish catches.”

Derbies begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon. Some bait will be provided at the sites, but all participants will need to bring their own fishing equipment (rod and reels, hooks, bobbers, etc.). It’s also a good idea to bring a cooler or stringer to carry your catch home as well as some refreshments and a few comfortable chairs to enjoy the day by the water.

“You really want to get to the ponds by 7:30 a.m. or so to ensure you have a good spot and are ready for ‘lines in,’” Gladden said. “The best action is almost always within the first hour or two, but it can last throughout the event if the weather holds.”One tip Gladden offers is to focus on fishing near the bottom instead of trying to fish with a bobber or float.

“Bobbers are great ways to introduce new anglers and you can still use them close to the bank, but there will be a lot of lines in the water, and if there’s a little wind, it will blow your lure across other anglers’ lines, causing a mess when a fish does hit your lure,” Gladden said. “Fishing on the bottom with a half-ounce or so of weight will keep your bait in one spot and let the fish come to it.”

Free Fishing Weekend, sponsored by the AGFC, is an annual event each June that lets anyone in the state, resident or nonresident, fish without the need for a license or trout stamp. All daily limits and fishing regulations are still enforced, but the license requirement will be waived from noon June 12-11:59 p.m. June 14.

Visit the links below to register for one of the AGFC’s hatchery derbies:

• Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery (Lonoke) Fishing Derby

• Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery (Hot Springs) Fishing Derby

• William H. Donham State Fish Hatchery (Corning) Fishing Derby

• Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery (Centerton) Fishing Derby

Details for additional fishing derbies the AGFC supports are available at www.agfc.com/freefishing.

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CUTLINES:

FATHER/DAUGHTER FISHING
Families are encouraged to visit www.agfc.com and register for one of the AGFC’s four hatchery fishing derbies held from 8 a.m.-noon June 13.

ANGLER FIGHTING FISH
In addition to standard, catchable-size catfish, hatchery staff often throw a few “surprise” monsters in the ponds for visitors to enjoy.

THREE GIRLS
Three young girls show off their catch from the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke.