The annual “Grand Isle Fishing Festival” will be held at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station on Free Fishing Day, Sat., June 14. Designed for young anglers, this free event offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids to catch big trout in a pond next to the hatchery. VTF&W Photo by Sandy Macys.

If you’ve been looking for a good excuse to give fishing a try, or something to do outdoors with family that they’ll really enjoy, here it is! Saturday, June 14, is Vermont’s Free Fishing Day — the one day in the summer when anyone may go fishing in the Green Mountain State without a fishing license. And, there are several special events tailored for young or beginning anglers being held on that day.

Fishing is a quiet, relaxing way to enjoy Vermont’s scenic outdoors with many accompanying benefits. You can release any fish you catch, or take home some very tasty fresh (and local) fish for dinner.

Whether you get out there alone, or take friends or family, a good day of fishing makes memories that will last a lifetime.

Vermont has 284 lakes and over 7,000 miles of clear streams offering the greatest variety of high quality freshwater fishing in the Northeast, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Finding a place to fish in Vermont is easy, but for those just getting started, the department also hosts a special event just for kids in Grand Isle.

The “Grand Isle Fishing Festival” will be held from 9am to 3pm on Free Fishing Day at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station on Vermont Route 314 in Grand Isle. Designed for young anglers, this free event offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids to catch big trout in a pond next to the hatchery. And don’t worry about bringing equipment, everything kids need to go fishing will be supplied.

Here are some other “Let’s Go Fishing” instructional events being held on Free Fishing Day with contacts for more information:

• June 14 Little Anglers Derby, Windemere Way, Colchester – LCI offices 802-879-3466

• June 13 & 14 Williams Pond, Bakersfield – Rosalie Williams 802-933-4201

• June 14 Ferguson’s Pond, Springfield (Precision Valley Sportsmen’s Club) – Rod O’Neil 603-504-6451

• June 14 Rood Pond, Williamstown – Mike Poulin 802-433-5875

• June 14 Henry’s Pond, West Topsham – Bill Henry 802-272-8423

To find out more about Vermont’s great fishing opportunities and to plan your fishing trip, contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000, e-mail fwinformation@state.vt.us or visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.