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Saturday is Free Fishing Day in Utah, with no license required to get out and a number of special events planned throughout the state to celebrate the day.
"If you have a spouse, a teenager or a friend who you want to introduce to fishing, Free Fishing Day is a great day and way to do it," said Randy Oplinger, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Those who don't have any fishing equipment or need some help to learn how to fish can borrow equipment at most of the special events. Volunteers will also be available to help. And the special event waters will be stocked.
Here are the events:
Northern Utah • "Cops and Bobbers" events will be held at Skylar's Pond at Willow Park in Logan from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Syracuse pond (which is part of the Jensen Nature Park in Syracuse) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Bountiful Pond from 9 to 11 a.m.
At each event, DWR conservation officers and officers from local police departments will be on hand to help. Rods and reels will be available.
In addition to these events, the annual Bear River Celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Skylar's Pond. Interactive booths will help young people discover the joys of fishing and learn the importance of good water quality and responsible recreation in the Bear River watershed.
Northeastern Utah • Events with free equipment to use are scheduled at Green's Lake at Red Canyon Lodge near Flaming Gorge from 9 a.m. to noon; Matt Warner Reservoir near Vernal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lower Stillwater Ponds in Duchesne County from 9 a.m. to noon.
Southwestern Utah • Free food, prizes and fun will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Reservoir east of Beaver and Bristlecone Pond near Brian Head Ski Resort.
Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife will also host a free fishing workshop at Bristlecone Pond at 9 a.m.
For a list of community fishing ponds in Utah, visit http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing-in-utah/community-fisheries.html.