Why Free Fishing Days?

• Introduction to Fishing: Free fishing days are a great way to try fishing without the commitment of buying a license. Families and newcomers can experience the fun without much investment.
• Promotion of Conservation: These events raise awareness about the importance of fishing regulations, responsible fishing practices, and the role of licensing fees in conservation efforts.
• Community Building: Free fishing days often have organized events, encouraging families and friends to spend quality time outdoors and fostering a sense of community around the sport.
• Access to Food: For some, fishing isn’t solely a hobby but a way to supplement their diet with fresh, locally-sourced fish. Free days remove a financial barrier.

Important Notes:

• Regulations: Even on free fishing days, you must adhere to fishing regulations such as size and catch limits, species restrictions, and gear limitations.
• Specific Groups: Some states have free fishing days for specific groups like veterans, children, or first-time anglers.
• National Fishing and Boating Week: Celebrated in early June, this week often includes free fishing days in several states.

Finding Free Fishing Days in 2026

The most reliable way to find free fishing days for a specific state is to visit the website of that state’s Fish and Wildlife agency. Here are some helpful resources:

• State Fish and Wildlife Agency Websites: Most states have a dedicated section for licensing and free fishing day information.

Alabama

• 2026 Dates TBA

Alaska

• Residents under 18, over 60, & disabled veterans fish for free year-round.

Arizona

• June 1,

Arkansas

• June 7-9

California

• July 6 and August 31

Colorado

• June 1-2

Connecticut

• May 11
• June 16 Free Fishing License Day 1
• August 10 Free Fishing License Day 2

Delaware

• Dates TBA

District of Columbia (DC)

• Dates TBA

Florida

• April 6-7 and June 8-9 (freshwater)
• June 1-2, Sept. 7 and Nov. 30 (saltwater)

Georgia

• June 1, June 8, and September 28
• More info: Free Fishing Days GA: GeorgiaWildlife.com

Hawaii

• Year-round free marine fishing

Idaho

• June 8

Illinois

• June 14 – 17

Indiana

• May 12, June 1-2, and September 28

Iowa

• June 7-9

Kansas

• June 1-2

Kentucky

• Dates TBA

Louisiana

• June 8-9

Maine

• February 17-18
• June 1-2

Maryland

• June 1, June 8, and July 4

Massachusetts

• June 1-2

Michigan

• February 17-18
• June 8-9

Minnesota

• Residents fish without a license in most state parks year-round

Mississippi

• June 1-2,

Missouri

• June 8-9

Montana

• June 15-16 (Father’s Day weekend every year)

Nebraska

• Dates TBA

Nevada

• June 8

New Hampshire

• January 20
• June 1

New Jersey

• June 1
• October 19

New Mexico

• Dates TBA

New York

• February 17-18 (President’s Day Weekend)
• June 29-30
• September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

North Carolina

• July 4 Independence Day

North Dakota

• Dates TBA

Ohio

• June 15-16

Oklahoma

• June 1-2 (free paddlefish permit still required)

Oregon

• February 17-18
• June 1-2
• November 29-30

Pennsylvania

• May 26
• July 4

Rhode Island

• 2024 Date TBA

South Carolina

• May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day)
• July 4, 2024 (freshwater only)

South Dakota

• May 17-19

Tennessee

• June 8-16

Texas

• June 1

Utah

• June 8

Vermont

• Dates TBA

Virginia

• June 7–9

Washington

• June 8-9 (“Free Fishing Weekend”)

West Virginia

• Dates TBA

Wisconsin

• June 1-2

Wyoming

• June 1 (First Saturday in June)