By Chris Erwin
Kentucky has had a 30 year tradition of offering free fishing days in recognition of Nation Fishing and Boating week. This year, you can fish without a fishing license June 2-3. This applies to both youth and adults wanting to fish Kentucky waters. You will be required to observed creel limits and size limits, but it’s a great opportunity to take a kid fishing or test the waters if you are thinking about taking up the sport.
The Daniel Boone National Forest and its partners will host several kids fishing derbies on Saturday, June 2. The fishing derbies are free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The fishing derbies will be held at the following locations: Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County, 6:30 – 10:30 a.m.; Kids 1 – 15 (606) 784-6428. Turkey Foot Recreation Area, Jackson County 8:30 a.m. – noon; Kids 5 – 15, seniors over 60 (606) 864-4163. Little Double Creek Pond, Clay County 9:00 a.m. – noon; Kids 16 and under (606) 598-2192. Indian Creek, Menifee County 8:00 a.m. – noon; Kids 5 – 15, (606) 663-8100. Barren Fork Horse Camp, McCreary County 8:00 a.m. – noon; Kids 5 – 15, (606) 376-5323. Goodwater Pond, Pulaski County 8:00 a.m. – noon; Kids 5 – 15, (606) 864-4163.
Under a Forest Supervisor’s Order, fishing is not permitted at derby locations during the day prior. These areas are open only to registered derby participants until after the event.
On June 2 and 3, no recreation fee pass is required to use Forest Service boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds at Cave Run Lake or Laurel River Lake. 
This free weekend may be geared toward the youth, but it is also and great time to explore the lakes, rivers, and streams of Kentucky no matter what your age. Many of the Kentucky State Resort Parks have fishing poles and tackle that is free for guests to use if you choose to stay at one of these resort parks.
“Beginners can try out fishing and get some hands-on instruction at the free fishing events that weekend,” said Marc Johnson, the aquatic education administrator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Many of the events on department-owned waters will be hosted by fisheries and law enforcement division employees,” he said.
This time last year we were facing high water in many lakes in Kentucky. Cave Run set an all-time flood stage of 32 feet over summer pool as much of the state was just not fishable. This year, our lakes, rivers, and streams have been in good shape. Most of the lakes are now past the fish spawning period, making this free weekend a perfect time to test the waters and maybe make memories that will last a life time.
If you are new to fishing, remember that fishing live bait for bluegill and crappie can be very productive with very little tackle and a minimum of fishing experience.
I would also like to list some of the places that are available for anyone who need wheelchair-accessible areas to fish in Kentucky. Handicapped accessible fishing areas currently include:
Anderson County, Beaver Lake — floating pier; Ballard County Ballard Wildlife Management Area, Shelby Lake — floating pier, Handicap Pond — concrete pier; Campbell County, Alexandria Community Park Lake — wooden fishing pier; Cumberland County, Cumberland River at Burkesville — walkway; Daviess County, Carpenter Lake — floating pier; Franklin County, Upper Game Farm Lake — floating pier; Grant County, Lloyd Wildlife Management Area — concrete pier; Greenup County, Greenbo Lake — concrete walkway and floating pier; Johnson County Paintsville Lake — walkway; Lawrence County, Yatesville Lake — jetty; McCracken County, West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area Lake — wooden pier; Madison County, Lake Reba — jetty, Mason County, Ohio River — concrete pier; Pendleton County, Kincaid Lake — floating pier
To request a brochure of Kentucky’s handicapped-accessible hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing areas, call 1-800-858-1549 during normal weekday working hours.
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