Seventeen-year-old Jeared Barnett set an Arkansas state record by catching an 18¼-inch skipjack herring weighing 2 pounds, 14 ounces in the Ozark Pool. The fish was officially weighed and certified by Chelsea Gilliland, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Large Rivers Biologist, surpassing the previous record held by Gary Brandon Miller.
MassWildlife announced the Hooks and Books program, a partnership with over 25 Massachusetts public libraries providing free fishing equipment loans to communities. The initiative, piloted at Greenfield Public Library, expands access to fishing for all ages and includes free fishing clinics and Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend on June 6-7, 2026, supported by the Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants program and Bass Pro Shops.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission advises anglers to minimize fish handling when releasing catches, keeping them in water as much as possible to protect their slime coat. Fisheries outreach manager Daryl Bauer and aquatic education specialist Larry Pape recommend using needle-nose pliers for hook removal and proper techniques for both catch-and-release and harvest situations.
Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources highlights prime fishing destinations for Memorial Day weekend and Free Fishing Day on June 6, when no license is required. Featured locations include Joes Valley Reservoir, Lake Powell, Fish Lake, Strawberry Reservoir, and Bear Lake, offering opportunities for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department released the 2025 Master Angler Program Report with a record 1,222 entries and 90 Master Angler Award recipients, including 28 youth anglers. The program recognizes anglers catching trophy-sized fish from 37 eligible species and includes new changes for 2026, such as individual categories for three Redhorse species.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reminds residents of Free Fishing Days on June 6–7 and September 26, 2026, when fishing licenses are waived for public waters. All other state fishing regulations remain in effect during these designated days.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division is hosting the John Pafford Memorial Kids Fishing Event on June 13, offering free saltwater fishing instruction for children ages 5-12. The event includes bait, tackle, and refreshments, with registration limited to 100 children and advance sign-up required.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) introduced new paddlefish tagging options mirroring big game tag requirements, offering anglers paper or e-tag choices with electronic validation. Mandatory reporting varies by tag area with specific timeframes and methods, and FWP has launched online paddlefish dashboards for yellow, green, and blue tag areas to track harvest rates.
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.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is partnering with MyCatch by Angler's Atlas for a statewide walleye fishing challenge running May 15-June 28. Anglers report catches via the mobile app to help fisheries biologists assess walleye populations while competing for cash prizes and weekly challenges across six Midwest states.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary proposals for 2027–2028 fishing regulations through May 31. FWP will host a Region 2 meeting May 21 in Missoula at 6:30 p.m. to present proposals, answer questions, and discuss ideas for regulation changes.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick explains how drought impacts fish species, fishing access, and stocking strategies. The DWR is adjusting fish stocking and raising warmwater species like channel catfish, walleye, and wipers at Logan Fish Hatchery to adapt to warmer water conditions.
Sedrick Neinhuis of Lowell, Michigan caught a new state-record gizzard shad weighing 4.45 pounds on the Grand River in April. The fish surpassed the previous record of 4.12 pounds set in 1996 on Lake St. Clair and was verified by DNR fisheries biologist Matt Diana.
GRITR Outdoors is offering a limited-time discount on select Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) spinning, casting, and fly fishing rods through May 31 on GRITROutdoors.com. TFO rods are engineered for high-performance fishing with sophisticated designs and backed by a full lifetime warranty.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the 2026 paddlefish snagging season will close Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Central time. A snag-and-release extended season will follow May 9-15, allowing anglers with unused tags to participate but requiring immediate fish release.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary proposals for 2027-28 fishing regulations. FWP will host a public meeting in Bozeman on May 19 at 6 p.m. at their office to present proposed changes, answer questions, and collect angler feedback through May 31.
A family fishing trip makes a perfect Mother's Day celebration. Use Massachusetts' Go Fish MA interactive map to find scenic fishing locations, prepare gear in advance, purchase a fishing license as a gift, and plan extra activities like nature walks to create memorable outdoor adventures together.
Join law enforcement officers from local, county, and state departments for an evening fishing program on the Detroit River at Milliken State Park on May 13, hosted by the Outdoor Adventure Center. All equipment provided; participants 17+ need a fishing license. Preregistration required; $5 per family.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks closed vehicle access to the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts Fishing Access Site due to unsafe road conditions from dike sloughing. Walk-in access remains available, with the closure effective April 30 and expected to lift in a few weeks pending repairs.
Vermont's spring catch-and-release bass fishing season is underway through June 13, featuring excellent angling opportunities as largemouth and smallmouth bass feed in warming waters. State fisheries biologists Bernie Pientka and Shawn Good highlight that pre-spawn bass fishing provides outstanding opportunities with minimal impact on spawning success, with anglers required to use only artificial lures.