SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2009 observance of Illinois Free Fishing Days on June 5-8 will feature special events throughout the state promoting fishing and encouraging would-be anglers to give fishing a try.  Parks and recreation districts, youth and civic organizations, fishing clubs, and other groups have scheduled fishing derbies, clinics, and other events during Free Fishing Days.

Free Fishing Days allows anyone to fish without the need for a fishing license, inland trout stamp, or salmon stamp during the four-day event each June.

"Fishing is a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy the outdoors, and it is one of the most relaxing ways to spend time outside in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller.  “Free Fishing Days provides everyone a chance to go fishing and experience the fun.  We hope that when people give fishing a try, they’ll be hooked.”

A number of organizations throughout the state plan special events during the annual Free Fishing Days weekend and at other times during the spring and summer.  While anyone can fish without a license during the four days of Free Fishing Days, anglers fishing in fishing derbies, fishing tournaments, and other special events held prior to or after Free Fishing Days are required to have a fishing license, unless they are otherwise exempted.

For more information on Free Fishing Days events in Illinois, contact Terry Beard at the IDNR at 217/785-5822.

A list of 2009 Illinois Free Fishing Days events and contact information is below.  Special group fishing permits may be issued for events held on dates other than June 5-8.

Location Contact  Date  Est. Attendance
Beall Woods State Park Jacque Hallam
618-298-2441 June 6, 2009 75

Beardstown Park District Steve MegGinson
217-323-2555 June 6, 2009  50

Boy Scouts Len Sklaney
630-627-5967 June 5, 2009 50

C.J. Smith Resort  Melonnie Hartl
847-395-2753 June 5-8, 2009 100

Carbon Cliff Barta Tackle Inc. Margaret Pankey
309-792-3460 6am - 6pm during FFD 125-150

Carlinville Park District Bernard Dzafic
217-854-9231 June 6, 2009 300

Champaign County Forest Preserve District Savannah Hampson
217-896-2455 June 20, 2009
                          July 25, 2009 200

Champaign Park District Gene Morgan
217-352-0936 June 6, 2009 75-100

Cicero Youth Association Alan Gilbert
708-547-0970 June 6, 2009 20

City of Christopher Del Rea
618-724-9533 June 6, 2009 50

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Neil Vincent
618-997-3344 June 13, 2009 350-kids
250-adults

Cub Scout Pack 302 Mike Mudra July 13, 2009 30

Friends of Argyle Lake State Park Bridget Napolitano
309-776-3422 June 6, 2009 30-50

Friends of the Upper Mississippi River Frank Brabender
815-441-5511 Sept 12, 2009 30

Harrisburg Township Park District Connie Moorman
618-252-2111 June 6, 2009 150

Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce  Cheri Sisson
847-781-9100 June 6, 2009 800

IDNR
Conservation World Terry Beard
217-785-5822 June 6, 2009 100-200

Better Fishing Association, IDNR (Lock 14, La Salle) 
815-223-2382 June 6, 2009 
300-350

Kingsbury Park District Jerry Saverwein
618-664-4969 June 6, 2009 150

McHenry Parks and Recreation District Pete Merkel
815-363-2160 June 6, 2009 200-225

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Tim Peinbold
630-627-6100 June 6, 2009 300

Oblong Children’s Christian Home Fran Moden
618-592-3633 June 4, 5 & 6, 2009 12

Pere Marqutte State Park Scott Isringhausen
618-786-3324 June 6, 2009 4000

Pollwog’s Association, Inc. Philip Johnson
217-354-4620 June 7, 2009 120

Quincy Park Dist. Dave Maas
217-223-7703 June 6, 2009 50-100

St Domittila Church Allen Gilbert
708-547-0970 June 6, 2009 20

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  Jody Harris
618-594-2484 TBA 50

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kim Hammel
618-594- 2484 June 6, 2009 60

Vandalia Sport Fishing and Conservation John Blythe
618-283-2475 June 6, 20009 120

Villa Park Sportsman’s Club Joseph Kubica Jr.
847-985-4057 June 6, 2009
                           August 8, 2009 180-200 

Village of Riverton Max Shekelton
217-629-9122 June 5 & 6, 2009 100

Waukegan Park Dist Travis Bakken
847-782-3623 June 6, 2009 500

William Powers Cons. Area D. Saki Villalobo
773-646-3270 June 6, 2009 150

Windsor Road Christian Church Randy Tschetter
217-367-6162 June 6, 2009 20-30