PHOENIX, Ariz. - Trout are biting in the high country and the bass bite is terrific in most desert lakes, making this a great time for Arizona's free fishing days on June 2 and June 9 to celebrate National Fishing and Boating week.



Free Fishing Days and a Million Dollar Fish

Arizona's free fishing days are June 2 & 9 and, "There's lots of reasons to celebrate with a fishing pole in hand this fishing season," said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Young pointed out that the department just stocked some incentive rainbow trout up to 8 pounds into both Woods Canyon and Willow Springs lakes along the Mogollon Rim, Big Lake is providing exceptional trout fishing, and the bass bite is great on the state's renowned desert impoundments.

"The stars have aligned for some superb fishing right now. In fact, if you are out fishing at night on June 4, there will be a partial eclipse of the strawberry moon to watch at 3 a.m. PST," Young advised.

Young added that the free fishing days were designed to help introduce people, especially families, to fishing. "Don't forget that kids fish free every single day in Arizona because for those under age 14, a fishing license is not required."

There are also some other compelling reasons to going fishing right now, including some financial incentives.

Cabela's is conducting Wanna Go Fishing for Millions?, a contest giving anglers a shot at up to $2 million in cash and more than $225,000 in additional prizes by catching tagged fish in select lakes across the United States, including Bartlett, Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake in Arizona.

Cabela's, along with Outdoor Channel, Wanna Go Fishing TV and Geico, tagged fish in lakes across 19 states - Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

One of the tagged fish could be worth $1 million. The grand prize will be doubled to $2 million if the grand prize winner is a current user of the Cabela's Fish Recon app or downloaded the Cabela's Fish Recon app to their smart phone, sponsored by Geico.

Registration began April 19 and participants must pre-register before fishing. Winners of specific prizes will be announced after the promotion ends July 8. Additional information about rules and prizes can be found at the contest website, cabelas.com/fishformillions.

But that's not all. For those who have purchased a fishing license, you could become eligible for a rebate on the price of your license.

Shakespeare is running a promotion until Aug. 31, 2012: Customers who purchase any two Shakespeare products during the promotion timeframe that total $40 and have a valid 2012 fishing license are eligible to receive $10 back by mail. Visit the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation for more information.