An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The free fishing weekend, when no fishing license or trout permit is required, is June 6-7, 2026.
Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend takes place the first full weekend in June each year and allows anyone to fish without a license or permit. It doesn't matter whether you're visiting from outside the state or you live in Kentucky. It's a great time to grab a fishing pole and enjoy spending time with family and friends at the state's beautiful lakes, streams and rivers. The free fishing weekend is open to all.
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Great way to try events around Kentucky
Please Note: All size and number limits remain in effect.
Whether you're brand new to fishing or looking for a nearby event, these tools will help you make the most of Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend.
Browse free fishing events, youth derbies, and family-friendly activities happening across Kentucky during Free Fishing Weekend.
View Events By County
Discover lakes, streams, and ponds across the state, including family-friendly FINs lakes stocked with fish and easy shoreline access.
Take a Hook-and-Cook class to learn beginner-friendly tips and instruction on gear, casting, fish handling, and other rules and regulations around the states.
Download Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s mobile app to access maps, fishing forecasts, and regulations while on the water.
Browse the county events below to find a Free Fishing Weekend event near you.
Each panel includes event times, age groups, registration details, locations, and additional information to help you plan your day on the water. Click on the county to open it up for event details and directions. This information is subject to change. Please contact the event coordinators directly for more updates and information.
Fishing derby open to youth 15 and under and their families. Fishing from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Eastern). Includes casting and fishing instruction, fish identification, and filleting demonstrations.
Location:Jim Beam Lake, Clermont. For directions: from I-65, Exit 112, turn onto Clermont Road (KY 245). In 1.5 miles, turn right onto Horticulture Area Road
Additional Information:
Fishing open to children and adults with catch-and-release only. Open 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Eastern) on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Location: Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, 2075 Clermont Road, Clermont
Fishing from 10 a.m. – noon (Eastern) for kids 14 and under.
Location: Alexandria Community Park, 3965 Alexandria Dr., Alexandria
Fishing from 9 a.m. to noon (Eastern). Only eligible for children ages 3–15. Call for additional information.
Location:Little Double Creek Pond, 91 Peabody Road, Big Creek
Fishing begins at 9 a.m. (Central) after registration. Open to all ages with adult supervision required. For more information, please call (270) 685-1707, ext. 3.
Location:Panther Creek Park, Whispering Winds Shelter, 5160 Wayne Bridge Rd, Owensboro
Fishing 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Equipment provided. Includes face painting and free lunch.
Location:Gainesway Park Fishing Pond, Lexington
Hosted by the Lexington Police Department
Youth fishing from 8 a.m. – noon (Eastern). Will be hosted on Upper Sportsman's Lake (adjacent to the main headquarters building; the largest lake on campus. All lakes will open to the general public at noon after the event. Prizes and food provided.
Location: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, 1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort
Youth fishing tournament from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Central). An adult must accompany each child. Online pre-registration is available at the Madison Noon Kiwanis Club's Facebook page.
Location: Madisonville City Park Lake, 1950 Park Rd., Madisonville.
Three (3) events over two days at Paintsville Lake State Park.
Friday, June 5 - Special Needs Fishing Event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.Saturday, June 6 - General Youth Event and Kylie's Kids Kayak Tournament
Every child receives a free fishing pole, bucket, and T-shirt. Billed as the nation's biggest free kids' tournament. See the Casting With Kid's Facebook page for more details.
Location: Paintsville Lake State Park , 1551 KY 2275, Staffordsville
Fishing from 9 a.m. – noon (Eastern) for kids of all ages. Fishing gear and bait are available on-site.
Location: Middleton-Mills Park , 3415 Mills Rd., Covington
Presented by Kenton County Parks and Recreation. Partner organizations include Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Schack’s Yaks’ Bait Shack.
Fishing from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Eastern) for children ages 5-12. Lunch will be provided following the event. Call (606) 516-1909 for more information.
Location:Laurel-London Optimist Club, Optimist Camp Road, London. Directions: Located off Hal Rogers Parkway near mile marker 7, turn opposite Watkins Road and follow posted signs.
Presented by the London Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the London-Laurel County Optimist Club.
Fishing from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Eastern) for children ages 16 and under. For more information, please call (859) 623-8753 or email parksandrec@richmond.ky.gov.
Location: Lake Reba Park , boat dock area, 299 Lake Reba Drive, Richmond
Catch-and-release fishing tournament for children ages 5-12. Fishing from 8 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. (Central). Staff will be available to measure and record fish one at a time.
Location: Lake Gerry Montgomery in Noble Park, 2801 Park Ave., Paducah
Fishing from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Eastern) for children ages 5-15. Free hot dog lunch and prizes provided. Call (606) 784-5323 for more information.
Location: Barren Fork Horse Camp, located behind Stearns Ranger Station, 3320 U.S. 27 North, Whitley City
Creek fishing event in the Red River Gorge area for children ages 5-15. Fishing from 9 a.m. to noon (Eastern). Contact the Cumberland Ranger District at (606) 784-6428 for details.
Location:East Fork Indian Creek, Red River Gorge area. Directions: From Slade, take Campton Road north to Nada Tunnel Road; Follow N Fork Road to Indian Creek Road and Derby Field parking area.
Location: Camp Carlson Lake (Fort Knox), 9186 U.S. 60, Muldraugh
First cast begins at 9 a.m. (Eastern) for children ages 15 and under.
Location: Easy Walker Park Lake, 1395 Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling
Event runs from 10 a.m. – noon.
Location: Eagle Creek Golf Course, 2820 South Highway 53, LaGrange
Location: Wilborn Park, L&N Lake, 299 Lakeshore Drive, LaGrange
One of Kentucky’s largest youth fishing events for children ages 15 and under. Online registration is accepted through 9 p.m. on May 31. Limited walk-up registration is available until capacity is reached.
Location: Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, 120 Fish Hatchery Rd., Morehead
One of Kentucky’s largest youth fishing events, with up to 1,500 children participating throughout the day. Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to children ages 15 and under, with fishing times divided by age groups. Call (270) 343-3797 for more information.
Location: Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, 50 Kendall Rd., Jamestown
Presented by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery and Friends of Wolf Creek NFH
Fishing from 9 a.m. – noon (Central) for children ages 3-15. Registration forms are available in advance at both at the Cadiz City Hall and the John L. Street Library.
Location: West Cadiz City Park , South Jefferson Street, Cadiz
Free youth fishing event for Wayne County residents with fishing times divided by age groups. Call (606) 348-7168 or (606) 348-7330 for more information.
Location:Cave Lake Event Park, located off Cave Lake Road Circle, Monticello
Organized by Operation UNITE and Wayne County community partners
Celebrate your first catch with an official Kentucky Fish & Wildlife certificate.
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