Kittanning Riverfront Park provides fishing opportunities for (foreground) Mark Craig, Applewold; Robert Billotte, (originally from Parker moved here 6 months ago) Garden Towers; Elizabeth Craig, Applewold; and Debra Billotte, Balcony Towers.
With the Independence Day holiday approaching and many families and friends already planning cookouts and other gatherings, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to offer another Fish-for-Free Day!
On Thursday, July 4, the PFBC will waive its license requirement, allowing anglers to fish within public waterways across the Commonwealth without possessing a fishing license.
From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, no fishing license is required to fish, however all other fishing regulations apply. Complete fishing regulations can be viewed, downloaded and printed for free from the PFBC website, or by using the FishBoatPA mobile app.
“Fish-for-Free days are the perfect opportunity to sample the sport, introduce someone new to fishing or jump back into something fun that you haven’t done for a while,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “We want to encourage families and others who are already gathered near the water at campgrounds or a state park over the holiday to pick up a rod and reel. There are many places that will loan you equipment for the day, making it even easier.”
There are several tackle loaner site across Pennsylvania, including many state parks, county parks and some public libraries. Locally, Mahoning Creek Lake (814-257-8811 between 7:30 AM and 4PM) and the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek (724-543-2599 to make appointment) offer some type of tackle loans.
More information is available on the PFBC website including interactive maps, regional fishing reports and tips on fishing fundamentals. Want to keep the fun going for the rest of the season? Fishing licenses can be purchased online at GoneFishingPA.com or at more than 700 retail license issuing agents!
In addition to Fish-for-Free Days, the PFBC has scheduled many other fun and educational fishing and boating events this summer, including family fishing festivals, mentored youth fishing opportunities, and fly-fishing classes specifically for women. A complete Calendar of Events is located here.