Correction on Free Family Fishing Fair at Byrd Park

The Department’s Free Family Fishing Fair will be held as planned on Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Byrd Park’s Shield’s Lake, and experts will be on hand to teach basic freshwater catch and release fishing. Those younger than age 16 will not need a fishing license to participate; however anyone age 16 or older will need a freshwater license to fish.

      Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend is June 7, June 8, and June 9, not this weekend as previously stated.

      Adults as well as children are encouraged to attend the department’s event to help teach their children how to fish and to go fishing the following weekend, June 7 – June 9, when no fishing license is needed.

Free Family Fishing at Byrd Park Saturday

The department will hold its annual Family Fishing Fair on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at Shield’s Lake in Byrd Park. The family event celebrates Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required to fish, and is meant to introduce newcomers and novices to the sport and fun of fishing.

      Local fishing experts will be on hand to teach basic freshwater catch and release fishing, and at 11 a.m. there will be a Kid’s Casting Contest and a Backyard Bass Contest. Both contests will offer fishing rods and reels as prizes.

      The public is encouraged to bring their fishing equipment and come see if they can “catch the big one!”  

       Some loaner poles and tackle will be available for use on a limited basis.

       For more information contact Wyatt Kingston at (804) 232-1982 or   Wyatt.Kingston@RichmondGov.com.

###

Free Family Fishing Fair set for June 4

The department will hold a Family Fishing Fair on Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Shield’s Lake in Byrd Park. The event will be free and open to anyone five years old and older. No fishing license is required because it’s Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Local fishing experts will be on hand to teach basic freshwater catch-and-release fishing.
If you plan to attend, the department recommends that you bring water to drink and a folding chair. Also bring your own fishing poles and tackle if you have them. The department will have some poles and tackle available for use, but these will be limited to two per family.
Co-sponsoring the event with the department are Region 3 Bassmasters, Trout Unlimited, Virginia Fishing Adventures, Green Top Hunting & Fishing, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, and Chesterfield County.