JENNINGS, La. (WNTZ) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in partnership with Oil and Gas Park (I-10 Park), invites the public to enjoy a free, family-friendly fishing event this Saturday, June 7, as part of the statewide Get Out & Fish! program. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon and coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1–8) and Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend.

In preparation for the event, LDWF will stock the park pond with 800 pounds of adult channel catfish, offering prime conditions for anglers of all skill levels. LDWF staff and volunteers will provide hands-on instruction in casting, knot tying, tackle setup, bait selection, and fish handling—making the day ideal for both newcomers and experienced fishers looking to sharpen their skills.

Free bait will be available while supplies last, and rods and reels will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No fishing license is required to participate on June 7 or 8, although all other Louisiana fishing regulations remain in effect.

LDWF encourages attendees to bring an ice chest to store their catch, as participants will be able to keep what they catch. The department also noted that outside of Free Fishing Weekend, those aged 18 and older must hold a valid Louisiana fishing license, which can be purchased at louisianaoutdoors.com/licenses.

The Get Out & Fish! program was created to increase access to high-quality fishing locations and attract new anglers, especially youth and families. LDWF regularly stocks ponds across the state—including Bogue Chitto State Park—with adult-sized catfish in the spring and fall, and rainbow trout in the winter, to make fishing more accessible to the public.

The Fisheries Extension Outreach Program, also part of LDWF, aims to grow responsible, licensed anglers while fostering conservation awareness through events like this one. Supported in part by the Sport Fish Restoration Program, the initiative helps ensure that Louisiana’s aquatic resources and recreational fishing traditions are sustained for future generations.

For more details about the Get Out & Fish! initiative, visit www.wlf.la.gov or follow LDWF on social media at facebook.com/ldwfgetoutandfish.