SALEM, Ore. – Fishing, crabbing and clamming are great Oregon traditions, and on June 6-7 Oregonians can do it all for free.

June 6-7 is Free Fishing Weekend and on those two days you won’t need a fishing or shellfish license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in the state. You also don’t need to buy any additional tags.

(But all other current fishing and shellfish regulations will still apply.)

“If you’ve never been fishing, or if you’ve always wanted to try clamming or crabbing, Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to discover how much fun they can be,” said Rick Hargrave, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife deputy administrator for information/education.

“Oregon offers an incredible variety of fishing opportunities, whether you’re looking for a nearby pond to take the kids or a remote mountain stream you can have to yourself,” he added.

To help beginning anglers get their feet wet, ODFW and its partners are offering over 30 free fishing events throughout the state. At most events there will be free loaner equipment for novice anglers, special events for children, and lots of volunteers to help. For a complete list of events with times and locations, go to http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/events/free_fishing/events.asp

“Even if you’ve never baited a hook, we can show you how to fish,” Hargrave said.

For anglers who would like to explore any of the state’s hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams on their own, ODFW offers an Easy Angling Oregon guide, Warmwater Fishing in Oregon booklets, and an extensive website to help you decide where to go. Visit www.dfw.state.or.us to find out more.

Free Fishing Weekend is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June. But remember, it’s always free fishing for kids under 14 years old.

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