Weldon Springs State Park will offer a Kids’ Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 18, 2016 to celebrate Free Fishing Days. 

This year’s event will be sponsored by The Weldon Springs Foundation, Inc. and Boy Scout Troop 142.  Registration will begin at 8:30 AM at the concession area..  The derby will run from 9 AM to 11 AM. 

Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for number of fish caught from the bank in three age divisions: 6 and under, 7-8-9, and 10-11-12.  There is no registration fee.   

Free Fishing Days is an opportunity for those who want to give fishing a try, or those who haven’t fished for a while, to experience the fun of one of our most popular forms of outdoor recreation.  Young people and adults alike can discover the joys of fishing and develop an appreciation for our lakes, rivers and streams and the wildlife in and around them. 

Illinois and non-resident anglers can fish without purchasing annual fishing licenses, salmon stamps or inland trout stamps during the four-day Free Fishing Days promotion June 17-20, 2016.

No experience is needed and volunteers will be on hand to assist participants. In the case of heavy rain or lightning, the event will be cancelled.

For more information, call the park office at 217-935-2644.