OUTDO – States are offering a chance to go fishing without the expense of purchasing a fishing license during Free Fishing Days this month

Idaho Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 11.

Washington is offering two free days, Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12.

Montana will hold two free fishing days on Father’s Day weekend, June 18-19.

Although fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other state rules remain in effect. These include regulations such as bag and length limits or special fishing regulations.

All of the states make regulations brochures are available online or free at local sporting goods stores and other retailers.

Free fishing day provides a no-cost opportunity for novices to give fishing a try.

To help beginning anglers, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is sponsoring fishing events at selected waters throughout the state.

Staff and volunteers will answer questions and help beginning anglers learn about fishing tackle, casting, fishing techniques and fish identification. Some fishing tackle and bait will be available for persons who do not have their own gear.

Idaho Panhandle Region events on June 11 start with a 7 a.m.-11 a.m. session in Coeur d'Alene at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course. The course has a 27-year tradition closing to golfers for those four hours so youngsters will have a chance to catch their first fish.

North Idaho events planned from 9 a.m. to noon on June 11 include:

• Bonners Ferry, at Snow Creek Pond.
• St. Maries, at Spicer Pond.
• Enaville, at Steamboat Ponds.
• Mullan, at Lucky Friday Pond.
• Post Falls, at Post Falls Park Pond.
• Priest Lake, at Priest Lake Golf Course.
• Rathdrum, at Rathdrum City Park.
• Sandpoint, at Round Lake State Park

Rainbow trout are being stocked in each location for the events and should provide good fishing, says Phil Cooper, agency spokesman.

“Limited equipment will be available for use,” he said. “anyone with tackle of their own is encouraged to bring it along.”