Fishing derbies planned Saturday

WESTSIDE — It’s almost here again, that date that area youngsters look forward to every year, Arkansas’ free fishing weekend. Free fishing weekend means it’s time for the annual fishing derbies sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Derbies will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, at the Charlie Craig Fish Hatchery, 977 W. Fish Hatchery Road in Centerton, and at the other four state fish hatcheries operated by the commission.

Fishing derbies are open to all fishermen age 12 and younger. Each child will be allowed to use one fishing rod, and fishermen should bring their own bait. There is no entry fee. All a child has to do is show up, but each youngster must have adult supervision.

Each pond will be stocked with catchable-size channel catfish and some fish will have special tags which will earn the young fishermen prizes. A BB gun range, archery range and canoes will also be available on the hatchery grounds for the youngsters’ enjoyment.

The statewide free fishing event this year will run from noon Friday, June 10, to midnight Sunday, June 12. Both state residents and nonresidents may fish this weekend without fishing licenses or trout permits. All the usual state regulations, such as daily limits and length limits, must be observed.

For more information, contact the hatchery manager at 877-795-2470.