Prairie State Wire

Weldon Springs State Park in DeWitt County will host a kids' fishing derby on Saturday, June 14, as part of Illinois free fishing days. Registration for the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park's concession area, with the derby running from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three participants in each age group based on the total number of fish caught from the bank. The age groups are divided into categories of 6 and under, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12 years old. Participation is free, and no prior experience is necessary. Volunteers will be present to assist participants.

The event is sponsored by the Weldon Springs Foundation and Boy Scout Troop 142. For further details, interested parties can contact the Weldon Springs State Park office at 217-935-2644.

Free fishing days provide an opportunity for individuals to try fishing without cost or reacquaint themselves with the activity. Both youth and adults can explore fishing and gain an appreciation for Illinois' natural resources during this period when anglers can fish without purchasing licenses or stamps from June 13-16.

Additional information about fishing in Illinois can be found at ifishillinois.org.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is celebrating its centennial year in 2025, marking a century since its establishment on July 1, 1925, as the Illinois Department of Conservation. The department manages around 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic locations. It also oversees wildlife management, fisheries, forestry, conservation police operations, and more. Further information about IDNR is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov.