Saturday will be the first day of Connecticut’s 2017 Great Park Pursuit — Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure and Free Fishing Day across the state, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced Friday.

The Family Fishing Day is scheduled as part of DEEP’s Great Park Pursuit Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure that will begin at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.

Open to families and children, this free event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include fishing at the pond, fish sampling, fish stocking, a fish fry and fun activities for all ages.

“Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to encourage family members and friends to join them outdoors for a day of fishing — no fishing license required, open to residents and non-residents alike,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said in a news release. “Great Park Pursuit families have the opportunity to fish side-by-side with expert anglers for an exciting and educational fishing experience. Along with Great Park Pursuit participants, we also hope that visitors will come to our state and try out the many fishing opportunities Connecticut has to offer.”

Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education volunteer instructors will be on hand to introduce families and friends to the wonders of water, fish and fishing. State certified instructors will pass along information and expertise they’ve gained while angling in local waters.

The Great Park Pursuit is a part of the agency’s No Child Left Inside initiative, now celebrating its 12th year, focusing on introducing families to the outdoors, building the next generation of environmental stewards and showcasing state parks and forests. The family fishing event is free and no registration is required. For information on the “The Great Park Pursuit Family Fishing Day,” visit www.NoChildLeftInside.org, call (860) 424-3200 or send an email to Kristen.Bellantuono@ct.gov.

Anglers should be aware that although no licenses are required on Saturday, all other Connecticut fishing laws and regulations apply. Fishing regulations can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide.