Shane Allen of Powell became the first angler to catch and document all 24 species of Wyoming game fish at qualifying lengths, surpassing the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Ultimate Angler status. Allen's achievement, accomplished with fishing companion Carol Anders, required thousands of miles of travel and visits to remote locations across the Bighorn Basin.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission released the 2026-27 Fishing Guidebook with regulations effective July 1, 2026. Key changes include elimination of possession limits, new trout restrictions in tailwaters due to hatchery production losses, designation of 10 Blue Ribbon Smallmouth Streams, and updated limits for various species across Arkansas lakes and rivers.
Michigan's DNR offers free fishing classes for beginners at state parks, including Hook, Line and Sinker programs. Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery and Oden State Fish Hatchery visitor centers also provide learn-to-fish programs for kids and adults, with equipment provided and no license required for participants under 17.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on seven proposed changes to 2027-28 fishing regulations, including bag limit adjustments at multiple lakes and increased spearfishing opportunities at Lake Powell. A public forum webcast is scheduled for July 9 from 6-7 p.m., with written comments accepted through July 24 at fishregscomments@azgfd.gov.
Dylan Smith of Idaho Falls caught a new state catch-and-release record lake trout measuring 43.25 inches on Payette Lake in McCall on May 2, surpassing the previous 42-inch record. The Southwest Region's McCall fisheries staff's active lake trout management has made Payette Lake a premier fishery, producing healthy trophy lake trout and improving kokanee populations.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept paddlefish snagging permit applications from July 1-14, 2026. Permits are awarded through random drawing based on preference points, with results available by July 20. Successful applicants must complete permit purchases by August 5.
Ohio's Division of Wildlife announces free fishing days on June 20-21, allowing residents 16 and older to fish public waters without a license. The state stocked over 36 million fish in 2025, including walleye, rainbow trout, and channel catfish across 200+ locations.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering "Fish with a Warden" sessions throughout summer to help anglers learn fishing regulations, identify fish species, and gain mentored fishing experience. Sessions are scheduled at various state parks and forests, with pre-registration available for up to 30 participants per session.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting free fishing derbies at four warmwater fish hatcheries on Saturday, June 13. Registration is open at www.agfc.com/freefishing, with derbies running from 8 a.m. to noon featuring catchable-sized catfish at Joe Hogan, Andrew Hulsey, William H. Donham, and Charlie Craig State Fish Hatcheries.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminds anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all state fishing access areas. The department maintains 205 developed fishing access areas and will strictly enforce regulations this summer, with Col. Justin Stedman encouraging reporting of violations through Operation Game Thief.
The Kids Fishing Day Team celebrates its 33rd anniversary on June 13 at Michigan DNR Pocket Park in Escanaba. The free event for youth ages 16 and younger features bluegill fishing, archery, pellet gun ranges, and activities like minnow races and face painting, with support from Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, Inc., Michigan DNR, and Hiawatha National Forest.
Idaho Fish and Game will host statewide Free Fishing Day events on June 13, allowing anyone to fish without a license. Fish and Game employees will provide gear and instruction at various locations, with about 243,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked throughout the state for the occasion.
Christy Graham, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Trout Management Program supervisor, advises anglers to practice careful catch-and-release techniques during summer months when trout face increased stress. With reduced stocking levels from Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery and Norfork National Fish Hatchery affecting Arkansas's tailwater fisheries, Graham recommends monitoring water temperature and using proper handling methods to improve fish survival rates.
The DNR hosts a Free Family Fishing Derby at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Lapeer County on June 13 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Open to all ages, participants can fish Lake Minnawanna with no license required during the annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Lumenok has released the Fish-On Fishing Pole Light, a bite-activated light that automatically illuminates when a fish strikes, helping anglers detect bites day or night. The durable light works on most fishing poles, comes in green and red, features a replaceable battery, and is available in 2-packs for $29.99.
A new campground with four basic campsites and restroom facilities opened June 5 at the John and Nancy Owen Fishing Access Site on the Bitterroot River near Stevensville. The expansion was made possible by a 6.25-acre donation from Fort Owen Ranch owner to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with improved boat trailer parking.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved summer Chinook salmon seasons for the South Fork Salmon, Upper Salmon, and Lochsa rivers. The South Fork Salmon and Upper Salmon rivers open June 18, while the Lochsa River opens May 30, with varying daily and possession limits by location.
Idaho's Free Fishing Day on June 13 offers a great opportunity to fish without a license. The article provides guidance on preparing old fishing gear, including checking rods, reels, and line, and recommends using Idaho Fish and Game's Fishing Planner to find public fishing locations throughout the state.
Tink's, known for deer lures for over 50 years, has expanded into fishing with new spray lures designed to attract more strikes. The product is available in five varieties targeting different species and can be applied to soft plastics, hard bait, or live bait. Tink's fishing spray lures are available at retailers nationwide and tinks.com.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day on June 6, when anyone can fish without a license throughout Wyoming. Multiple Kids Fishing Day events are scheduled statewide, sponsored by organizations including Jackson Hole One Fly, North Platte Walleyes Unlimited, Trout Unlimited chapters, and local communities.