BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
MARTIN COUNTY — Anglers can cast a line without purchasing a license or permit during Kentucky’s annual Free Fishing Weekend June 6-7, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy some of the region’s best fishing waters at no cost.
A tradition dating back to 1992, Free Fishing Weekend allows anyone to fish Kentucky waters without a fishing license or permit. Officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources remind anglers that all other fishing regulations remain in effect, including size limits and daily creel limits.
Tug River, Wolf Creek, Milo
For Martin Countians, the weekend provides a chance to explore the Tug Fork River. This fishery, which has steadily improved over the past several decades, attracts anglers seeking bass, catfish and other game fish in a scenic Appalachian setting.
Smallmouth bass remain the Tug’s signature sport fish, but anglers also target spotted bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, muskellunge and longear sunfish throughout the watershed. Large flathead catfish, some weighing more than 20 pounds, have helped build the river’s reputation among catfish enthusiasts.
The Tug Fork’s combination of shallow pools, riffles and rocky structure makes it well-suited for kayak anglers, paddlers and wade fishermen. Much of the river is accessible by canoe, kayak or small boat, while productive shoals and rocky runs provide opportunities for anglers who prefer to fish on foot.
Local access includes the public boat ramp at Warfield. Additional launch sites are available near South Williamson and at several carry-down access points along the river.
Bass anglers say they often concentrate on fallen timber, log jams, rock ledges and current breaks where fish lie in wait for prey. Soft-plastic grubs, creature baits and crankbaits that imitate small sunfish are among the most commonly used lures on the Tug.
Anglers looking for trout closer to home can also visit Milo Lake or Wolf Creek, both of which continue to receive rainbow trout stockings from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The department discontinued trout stockings at Curtis Crum Reservoir a few years ago because low water levels prevented stocking trucks from accessing the reservoir.
Paintsville Lake
Free Fishing Weekend also brings family-oriented events to eastern Kentucky.
Casting for Kids and the Kent Rose Foundation will host three events June 5-6 at Paintsville Lake State Park, 1551 KY-2275 in Staffordsville.
Activities begin Friday, June 5, with “Evening to Shine,” a fishing event for children with special needs. Registration opens at 5 p.m. and the tournament begins at 6 p.m. Organizers will also provide a sensory playground and adaptive equipment designed to help children participate in the fishing experience.
Saturday’s schedule opens with the Kylie’s Kids Foundation Kayak Tournament for anglers ages 13-18. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and competition runs from 7 a.m. until noon.
The first-place winner will receive a new kayak valued at approximately $3,000. Anglers finishing second through fifth will receive cash prizes. Participants must provide their own kayaks.
The main children’s event, Casting With Kids, is open to ages 4-12. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Fishing starts at 9:30 a.m. and continues until noon. Fish weigh-ins happen from 10:30 a.m. until noon.
Children will compete in age divisions: 4, 5, 6-7, 8, 9-10, 11 and 12. First- through fifth-place awards will be presented in each division.
Organizers said every participant in the fishing tournaments will receive an Ugly Stik rod-and-reel, a bucket, T-shirt and bag of toys.
The event will also feature free food, drinks, educational exhibits and activities.
Children will have an opportunity to explore “Life Below the Waterline,” a 2,200-gallon traveling freshwater aquarium featuring fish species found in Paintsville Lake. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will bring its Mobile Science Activity Center, offering hands-on science projects and educational activities.
Bassmaster Elite Series angler Matt Robertson will attend as a special guest.
Borrow equipment
Those who do not own fishing equipment can borrow rods and tackle through participating Kentucky State Parks.
At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, anglers can check out gear through the Interpretive Nature Center. They should call ahead at (606) 889-1790 to confirm availability.
At Paintsville Lake State Park, equipment is available through the registration booth. Information is available by calling (606) 297-6486.
Finally, at Yatesville Lake State Park, equipment can also be borrowed at the marina and campgrounds by calling (606) 673-1492.
Learn the rules
Before heading to the water, KDFWR officials said anglers can review the Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide, which outlines current fishing regulations and creel limits.