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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced it will host a free youth fishing derby at the Bowden Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 13 as part of the state’s Free Fishing Days.
“Watching a child reel in their first fish is an unforgettable experience, and the Bowden Fishing Derby provides a dedicated space just for them to make those memories,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.
The Bowden Fishing Derby is free to attend and intended for youth anglers ages 3 to 14. The event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To participate and be eligible to win prizes, children must be registered by an adult. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by hour-long fishing sessions grouped by grade level:
- Preschool and kindergarten: 8-9 a.m.
- First and second grade: 9-10 a.m.
- Third to fifth grade: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Sixth to eighth grade: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“While the adults will have to stick to cheering the kids on at the derby, the whole family can hit the water later and enjoy any public lake or stream to do some casting of their own without needing a license,” McMillion said.
West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days return this year on June 13-14. During this two-day event, anglers of all experience levels may fish in public lakes, streams and rivers around the Mountain State without first purchasing a fishing license. All fishing regulations, including daily creel and size limits, still apply.
To learn more about Free Fishing Days or to download and complete a derby registration form ahead of time, visit WVdnr.gov/free-fishing-days. Anglers 15 and older who enjoy Free Fishing Days and want to continue fishing after this weekend are encouraged to purchase a fishing license at WVfish.com.
