"Celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week"

National Fishing and Boating Week events factsheet

Fishing is more than just catching a fish.  Fishing can provide an important connection to the outdoors and help build a lasting appreciation for natural resources.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service works to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and provide the public with enjoyable places to observe and learn more about our Nation’s aquatic resources.

National Fishing & Boating Week, held the first full week of June each year, is a time when National Fish Hatcheries across the region participate in dozens of events that offer families the opportunity to experience and learn more about their local fisheries.  National Hunting and Fishing Day, held the last Saturday in September, is also a time set aside for fishing and learning fun.  Many states offer free-fishing days during these times so that it is even easier for people to participate.

There’s an Event Near You

Fourteen National Fish Hatcheries in the Southeast sponsor fishing events.  Thousands of participants have the opportunity to experience the thrill of landing a fish, touring a hatchery, and gaining valuable information and skills for helping to conserve fisheries.

Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery (SC)

In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery sponsors an annual kids fishing day allowing youngsters to fish for bass, bream, and catfish for fun and prizes.  The event is held on Saturday, June 2, from 8:00 am to noon at the hatchery.  For more information, visit www.fws.gov/southeast/bearsbluff, or contact Roman Crumpton at 843/559 2315.

Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery (GA)

Seniors Fishing Rodeo to be held Friday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to adults ages 55 and older - great fishing! Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait.  For more information, visit www.fws.gov/southeast/chattahoocheeforest, or contact Crystal Thomas at 706/838 4723.

Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery (GA)

Family Fishing Festival to be held Saturday, September 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to youth ages 16 and under - fun filled day of fishing and learning! Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/southeast/chattahoocheeforest, or contact Crystal Thomas at 706/838 4723.

Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery (TN)

The Tenth Annual Kid's Fishing Rodeo will be held June 9, 2007 (Tennessee Free Fishing Day) from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery. Held in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, this free event will take place at the creek below the fish hatchery and is open to youth under the age of 15.  For more information visit www.fws.gov/dalehollow, or contact Angela Roach at 931/243-2443.

Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery (AR)

Norfork National Fish Hatchery (AR)

Norfork National Fish Hatchery’s Annual Fishing Derby is Saturday, June 9th.  Registration starts at 8:00 am.  No entry fee, free food, and free prizes.  Must be 15 and under.  For more information, visit www.fws.gov/norfork, or contact Ken Boyles at 870/499 5255.

Panama City Fisheries Resource Office (FL)

Eglin Youth Fishing Rodeo to be held Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Children 13 years and younger should have their bait and fishing poles ready for this great event at Prisoner Pond, 6th Army Ranger Training Compound, Eglin Air Force Base.  For more information, visit http://www.eglin.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123052863, or contact Bill Tate at 850/883-1189.

Panama City Fisheries Resource Office (FL)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's annual "Kids' Fishing Clinic" to be held on June 2 from 8AM-12 noon at Panama City Beach on the Dan Russell Fishing Pier.  We'll help with rod and reel assembly, manning information booths and assisting anglers on the pier.  The event draws from 300-500 kids and adults.  Each child receives a free rod and reel and food and drinks are also provided free of charge.  For more information, contact Bill Tate at 850/883-1189.

Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery (LA)

Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery (SC)

Warm Springs Fisheries Center (GA)

The Warm Springs Fisheries Center will host a Kids Fishing for Fun Day Saturday, June 9th, at the Aquarium in Warm Springs beginning at 8:00 am.  All children ages 3 to 12 years are eligible to participate in the event.  More information and required registration forms may be found at www.fws.gov/warmsprings.  Contact Rosla Plant at 706/655 3382.

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery (KY)

21st Annual Kids Catch a Rainbow Fishing Derby--What began as a small event in 1986 has now blossomed into one of the largest events of its kind in the entire country.  This annual event is scheduled for Sat, June 2nd, 2007, beginning at 9:00 am at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.  Designed as a fun-filled way to get kids outdoors and connected to fishing, the derby is a great family event, and through generous community support, every participant is also treated to great prizes, food, fun and much, much more! Current work being completed at Wolf Creek Dam has not affected event planning in any way.  Fishing assistance is available, and all participants need to bring their own tackle.  For more information, visit www.kidscatcharainbow.org, or contact Amanda Patrick at 270/343-3797.

Find out more about National Fishing and Boating Week