Indiana’s West Boggs Lake Park to Host Free Family Fishing Event, April 20

DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and the Daviess-Martin Joint Parks Department will host a free family fishing event at West Boggs Lake Park near Loogootee on Saturday, April 20.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is at 16117 U.S. 231.

The event coincides with Spring Free Fishing Day, when Indiana’s adult residents do not need a license to fish but all other general fishing regulations apply. On all other days not designated a “Free Fishing Day” by the DNR, a fishing license is required and general fishing regulations apply.

Participants will learn the basics of using a fishing pole, knot-tying, fish biology and basic angling skills. Participants will get the opportunity to practice this new knowledge by fishing as a family.

All equipment, including bait, will be provided. The day also will feature presentations on aquatic invasive species from the DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator, Eric Fischer, and Adam Dumond, a DNR district forester.

DNR’s Lake and River Enhancement (LARE), a program within DNR Fish & Wildlife, is sponsoring the event.

Additional events at the park will include an outdoor cooking session with free lunch to the first 40 registrants. Advance registration for fishing is encouraged by April 18, but not required.

There will be a signup table at the Bittersweet Shelter for families to select a time to fish together.

To register in advance, contact Ashlee Haviland (ahaviland@dnr.IN.gov) at (317) 234-8348 or Susan Harrawood (susan@westbogs.com) at (812) 295-3421.

For more information on Free Fishing Days, visit dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/3598.htm

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."