To celebrate National Fishing Week, June 5-13, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is  holding free fishing, crabbing, and clamming days on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13. On these two days, anyone may fish in Delaware waters without a fishing license.

National Fishing Week festivities will also include the Division’s 24^th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Wyoming’s Town Park and the dog training area at Lums Pond State Park in Bear.

Except for this free weekend, resident and non-resident anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 fishing in any Delaware waters – including ponds, impoundments, streams, rivers, bays and ocean – are required to purchase a fishing license and display it while fishing. Clammers and crabbers are also required to have fishing licenses. Delaware residents older than 65 and both residents and non-residents under age 16 do not have to purchase a license. Licenses are required for non-residents age 65 and older.

Fishing licenses for Delaware residents cost $8.50, while non-residents pay $20 a year or $12.50 for a seven-day license. Licenses may be purchased at DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, or at any of more than 60 license agents located in sporting goods stores, hardware stores, bait and tackle shops and other businesses throughout the state.

You can also purchase a Delaware fishing license at www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Fisheries.aspx.