It’s Montana’s gift to Dad and Grandpa: free fishing for all over Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15.

“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,” said Gov. Steve Bullock.

There are few better ways to enjoy Montana than to plan for a day of fishing with friends and family. Over Father’s Day weekend everyone in Montana can fish for free, and without a license, but one must follow all of Montana’s other fishing regulations.

Fishing is not just a celebrated Montana pastime, it also provides serious vitality to the Montana economy. Each year more than 230,000 residents and 160,000 nonresidents purchase a Montana fishing license. Anglers spend about $240 million annually in Montana for things like transportation, food and guide fees. Additionally, for every dollar spent by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ fisheries program, anglers spend an extra $11 benefitting local communities and the state’s economy.

Montana’s most popular fishing waters include the Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, Bitterroot and Gallatin rivers; and Canyon Ferry, Flathead, Georgetown, Hauser, and Fort Peck lakes.

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

Gov. Bullock said he encourages everyone to have a fun time, but urges all to check conditions first and to always keep safety a top concern. For water and boating safety tips, check the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; click “Recreation,” then choose “Stay Safe Outdoors.”

The free fishing promotion is set for Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15.

(Report by Montana FWP)