People can fish for free this weekend

Nobody needs a license to fish in Montana over Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15 — but anglers still must follow all of Montana’s other fishing regulations.

Montana’s “fish for free” weekend was established in 2011 as the state’s Fathers Day gift to fathers everywhere.

Gov. Steve Bullock said he encourages everyone to have a fun time, but urges everyone to check conditions first and to always keep safety a top concern.

“Whether you’re teaching a young one to bait a hook or casting a salmon fly, I hope Montanans will take advantage of this free fishing weekend and keep this important tradition thriving in the state,” Bullock said.

Fishing is not just a celebrated Montana pastime — it also provides a serious boost to the Montana economy. More than 230,000 residents and 160,000 nonresidents purchase a Montana fishing license each year.

Anglers also spend about $240 million each year in Montana for transportation, food, guiding fees and other items. Additionally, for every dollar spent by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ fisheries program, anglers spend an extra $11 benefiting local communities and the state’s economy.