Free Fishing Days 2024

These are days – some states even offer free fishing weekends – where anglers can go fishing without a license. Check out the next free fishing days in your state.

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and many states offer "free fishing days" where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are a great opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport.

States Free Fishing Days 2024

Please note that the individual states may place certain restrictions and other regulations may apply, so be sure to contact your state fish and wildlife agency for specific state regulations.

Alabama

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days AL

Alaska

Residents under 18 and over 60 as well as disabled veterans fish for free year-round; other residents are required to have a fishing license.
More info about Free Fishing Days AK

Arizona

June 1, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days AZ

Arkansas

June 7-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days AR

California

July 6 and August 31, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days CA

Colorado

June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days CO

Connecticut

May 11, 2024 | June 16, 2024 is Free Fishing License Day 1 | August 10, 2024, is Free Fishing License Day 2.
More info about Free Fishing Days CT

DC

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days DC

Delaware

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days DE

Florida

April 6-7 and June 8-9 (freshwater); June 1-2, Sept. 7 and Nov. 30, 2024 (saltwater)
More info about Free Fishing Days FL

Georgia

June 1, June 8, and September 28, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days GA

 
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Hawaii

365 days a year (marine)
More info about Free Fishing Days HI

Idaho

Second Saturday every June. June 8, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days ID

Illinois

June 14 - 17, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days IL

Indiana

May 12, June 1-2, and September 28, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days IN

Iowa

June 7-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days IA

Kansas

June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days KS

Kentucky

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days KY

Louisiana

June 8-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days LA

Maine

February 17-18, 2024 and June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days ME

Maryland

June 1, June 8 and July 4, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days MD

 
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Massachusetts     

June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days MA

Michigan

Febuary 17-18 and June 8-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days MI

Minnesota

Residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks year-round
More info about Free Fishing Days MN

Mississippi

June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days MS

Missouri

June 8-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days MO

Montana

June 15-16 (Father’s Day weekend every year)
More info about Free Fishing Days MT

Nebraska

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days NE

Nevada

June 8, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days NV

New Hampshire

Saturday, January 20, 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024
First Saturday in June. June 3, 2023
More info about Free Fishing Days NH

 
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New Jersey

June 1 and October 19, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days NJ

New Mexico

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days NM

New York

February 17-18, 2024 (President's Day Weekend)
June 29-30, 2024
September 28, 2024 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
More info about Free Fishing Days NY

North Carolina

July 4 Independence Day
More info about Free Fishing Days NC

North Dakota

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days ND

Ohio

June 15-16, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days OH

Oklahoma

June 1-2, 2024 (a free paddlefish permit is still required)
More info about Free Fishing Days OK

Oregon

February 17-18, June 1-2, and November 29-30, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days OR

Pennsylvania

May 26, 2024 and July 4, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days PA

Rhode Island

2024 Date TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days RI

South Carolina

Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 & July 4, 2024 (freshwater only)
More info about Free Fishing Days SC

 
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South Dakota

May 17-19, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days SD

Tennessee

June 8-16, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days TN

Texas

June 1, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days TX

Utah

June 8, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days UT

Vermont

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days VT

Virginia

June 7–9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days VA

Washington

"Free Fishing Weekend" is June 8-9, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days WA

West Virginia

2024 Dates TBA
More info about Free Fishing Days WV

Wisconsin

June 1-2, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days WI

Wyoming

First Saturday in June. June 1, 2024
More info about Free Fishing Days WY

 
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National Fishing and Boating Week is a national celebration of fishing and boating, an event that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing in enhancing our quality of life and preserving our country's natural beauty. This year the event will take place on June 3-11, 2024. Learn more about National Fishing and Boating Week.