If you’ve always wanted to try fishing, now is your chance. You may fish without a license during the first weekend in June. Take advantage of the free fishing days, June 1-3, and enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends without having to spend money for a fishing license.

No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during free fishing days and facilities use permits will also not be required during these dates.

To increase angling opportunities, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) removed the restriction to fishing designated stocked trout waters. This will open more than 2,900 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide range of trout fishing prospects. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will remain in effect.

“Fishing offers a person, no matter their age, race, fitness ability or income level, the chance to connect with nature and learn how to become better stewards of our natural resources,’’ said Bob Duncan, executive director of the DGIF, which manages the states freshwater fishing. “In this fast-paced society fishing is also a great way of ‘casting’ your troubles away and relieving stress.” Duncan said.

The 2018 Freshwater Fishing and Boating Regulations can be found on the DGIF website at: dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/. Printed regulations are also available at most major outdoor retailers throughout the state that sell hunting and fishing licenses. In addition, the Marine Resources Commission’s website, mrc.virginia.gov, has extensive information on Virginia’s recreational fishing size, season and creel limits.

DGIF’s “Virginia Angler Recognition Program” is a fun way to recognize a trophy freshwater catch. For more information on that program visit: dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/varp/.

On average, anglers measure up over 6,000 trophy size fish, annually. Since 1963, when the program began, over a quarter-million trophy fish awards have been issued.

Anglers are also encouraged to enter the 2018 Kids ‘n Fishing Photo Contest. For contest rules, visit dgif.virginia.gov/kidsnfishing/or call (804) 367-0969.