Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge Celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week

In celebration of National Boating and Fishing Week, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge will host a free youth fishing derby at the Farm Unit, near Ethel. This family-friendly event will provide young people a great opportunity to fish a stocked catfish pond on Saturday, June 10th, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with registration for the derby beginning at 7:30 a.m. Any youth 12 years of age and under will have a golden opportunity to catch catfish, so be sure to bring your fishing pole. At 10 a.m. youngsters who registered will gather under the tent for a random drawing to win educational outreach materials/prizes. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of White River NWR.

National Boating and Fishing Week was established to help promote the sport of fishing among younger generations, as well as to provide family friendly outdoor recreation and education opportunities. In the true spirit of this special week, after the conclusion of the youth fishing derby at 10 a.m., the stocked pond will be open to fishers of all ages through Sunday June 11th. (Fishing will be allowed until sunset on Saturday and on Sunday from sunrise to sunset).

Signs for the event will be posted on Hwy 1 directing traffic to the site Saturday morning.

Annual Public Use Permits and fishing licenses are NOT required for this event. Daily limits still apply.

For additional information, or if your youngster needs fishing equipment for the event, please contact the refuge office prior to the event at (870) 282-8200.