Rockford Sun

For some Illinoisans, the best way to spend time with their dads on Father’s Day is baiting a hook and casting a line, and this weekend may be the best time to do just that. 

Illinois State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) reminded his constituents that fishing doesn’t cost one cent this weekend. 

“Free Fishing for Father’s Day weekend,” Anderson wrote in a June 16 Facebook post.

In his post, Anderson shared a Facebook post from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that explained the Free Fishing Weekend. "Illinois’ annual Free Fishing Days celebration is this weekend, June 17-20. For four days, no fishing license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp is required to fish in Illinois. It’s a great opportunity to discover the fun of fishing yourself or to introduce young people to the joy and adventure of fishing. Get out there this Fathers Day weekend and have a great time! #makememories #catchafish #findyourselfinnature,” the department wrote.

97.9 XFM put together a list of places where people could go fishing. The lakes and ponds included: Kinmundy Reservoir, Newton Lake, Ramsey Lake, Lake Sara, Vandalia City Lake, Forbes Lake, Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston Lower Channel and Side Channel, Coles County Airport Lake, Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville, Lake Mattoon, Lake Shelbyville, and Lake Toledo (reservoir).

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has put together a list of equipment suggestions for people new to the sport of fishing. Information can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.