Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing – legally – without a license. How? By taking advantage of “Free Fishing Weekend,” scheduled for June 6-7.

On Saturday and Sunday, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state. Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during the weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to try fishing in Washington, whether you are new to the sport, have not taken up a rod and reel in years, or want to introduce a friend or young family member to the sport,” said Chris Donley, WDFW inland fish program manager.

Anglers have been catching daily limits of trout at lakes for the past month and many rivers will open to trout fishing June 6 throughout the state.

For tips, new anglers should check online.

The “Fish Washington” feature at the department’s homepage provides details on lowland lake fishing, high lake fishing and marine area opportunities.

And, for those who want even more fishing advice, the Fish Washington video page provides “how to” fishing videos designed to introduce techniques to both new and seasoned anglers.

Before heading out, anglers should also check the current fishing regulations, valid through June, at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits and closures will still be in effect. Anglers will also be required to complete a catch record card for any salmon or steelhead they catch.

Catch record cards are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state.