Get the tackle ready and load up new fishing line on the reel — there is still one more free fishing day for Arizona on June 13 so you can celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week.

This is a great opportunity for kids to take their parents fishing, or for you to introduce a friend, neighbor or co-worker to this fun outdoor experience.

“The mild weather this past week has really turned on the bite in both the high country and desert lakes, so don’t miss out on this prime opportunity,” said Fishing Report Editor Rory Aikens. “And kids (or adults), get your dad out as a pre-Father’s Day outing. He’ll remember it fondly for years to come.”

Check the Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov for the latest fishing report so you can best plan your fishing outing. Remember that bag limits and other regulations must be observed on Free Fishing Day.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will sponsor a number of Free Fishing Day clinics/events. Loaner fishing rods and bait are provided for free at most of these venues. Times and locations are:

• Saturday, June 13, Tempe Town Lake (on the north shore near the Mill Avenue Bridge, just south of Lake View Drive), 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Loaner fishing rods, bait and instruction will be available. For more information, call Pam Ostwinkle at (623) 236-7219.
• Saturday, June 13, Lynx Lake (near Prescott), call number below for time. This event is held in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest. Trout and catfish will be stocked before the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Deadhorse Ranch State Park (near Cottonwood), 8 a.m. to noon. This event is held in the middle lagoon in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest and Deadhorse Ranch State Park. Admission fees to the state park for event participants are waived (paid for by the U.S. Forest Service). Catfish will be stocked prior to event. Loaner fishing rods, some bait and instruction will be available. For more information, contact Dead Horse Ranch State Park at (928) 634-5283.
• Saturday, June 13, Francis Short Pond (near downtown Flagstaff), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available. For more information, contact Shelly Shepherd at (928) 214-1241.
• Saturday, June 13, Garrett Tank (outside Seligman), 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Garrett tank will be stocked with catfish prior to the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Yellow Pine Ranch Pond (outside Kingman, located on Blake Ranch road about 7 miles south of Interstate 40), 7 a.m. to noon. This event is held in cooperation with the Kingman Elks Lodge, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yellow Pine Ranch. Catfish will be stocked prior to the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Riggs Flat Lake (on Mt. Graham near Safford), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come fish for trout in the cool pines. Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available. For more information, contact Joe Fagan at (520) 730-6398.

For more tips on how kids can take their parents fishing, see the next article (condensed) that appeared in the May-June 2008 edition of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.