Saturday, June 3 is free fishing day in the Cowboy State.

Each year the Wyoming Game and Fish Department designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming without purchasing a fishing license.

As part of the celebration, Powell and Cody facilities are hosting events to encourage families to enjoy a day with a pole in their hand and a smile on their faces.

In Powell, it’s important to preregister for the Parks and Rec Department event. Those wanting to participate must pre-register at the Powell Recreation office prior to the event. Open to children 16 and under, the event has become one of the most popular each spring, so it’s advised to sign up early before the event is full.

Parents will be able to sign up their children for a single, one hour time block. Time blocks will be scheduled from 6-10 a.m., but will be limited to the first 35 children per time block.

There will be raffles for prizes for each time slot and include fishing gear and outdoor apparel. A limit of four fish per child will be enforced and all fish caught must be kept. All other Wyoming Game and Fish regulations apply.

The general public can fish Powell’s pond, located next to the Powell Aquatic Center in Homesteader Park, after the event concludes around noon.

“It’s a lifelong activity and a great family recreation event. Just getting kids outdoors and away from too much screen time is important,” said Colby Stenerson, director of the Powell Recreation District.

When you teach a kid to fish, you are helping them unplug from technology, said Debbie Hanson in a report for the Take Me Fishing organization.

“Mobile devices and computers have become a big part of our daily lives, but it's important for kids to learn when to take a break from technology. You can teach kids about the mental benefits of spending time outdoors by helping them focus their eyes and attention spans on nature versus a computer screen.”

Fishing encourages feelings of confidence and empowerment, she said.

“If you grew up fishing, you probably remember reeling in your first catch like it was yesterday. Part of the reason fishing creates such vivid memories is because it encourages positive feelings of accomplishment and empowerment. Every time kids master a new fishing skill, there is another opportunity for them to gain confidence,” she said.

Fishing also teaches about ecosystems, conservation and helps build lasting relationships while enjoying a day on the water.

Starting Sunday, June 4, the pond is open 7 a.m. to dusk daily until the end of summer, though a fishing license is required except for free fishing day and all Game and Fish regulations apply.

The Wyoming Outdoorsmen are co-sponsoring the event and the Parks Department purchases the fish for an entire summer of fun. It’s a large investment in time and for the cost of fish, Stenerson said. The Parks Department pays between $5 and $7 for each stocked fish, depending on size.

This is the 37th year for the annual event in Powell. About 80 of the children participating will win a fishing pole, Stenerson said.

In Cody, the Optimist Club and the East Yellowstone Chapter of Trout Unlimited, combined with support from Shoshone National Forest and Game and Fish, are hosting Kids’ Fishing Day at Beck Lake.

The event begins at 8 a.m. on June 3 with registration lasting until 9 a.m. The first 350 children registered will receive a free fishing pole. At 9 a.m. the children’s fishing competition will begin, lasting until noon when a free lunch will be served while prizes and raffle items are announced.

The grand prize will be a two-person inflatable kayak. You must be present to win a prize.

The town of Basin is also having a Kids’ Fishing Day this year on June 17, though a fishing license will be required.

For those wanting to try out fishing during a road trip, Colorado will be holding its free fishing weekend event June 3-4 and Montana will hold its free event Father's Day weekend, June 17-18. Idaho will host its free fishing day June 10. Nebraska and South Dakota events have already passed earlier this month.

For information on other state events visit takemefishing.org.